MEPs want renegotiation of EU budget deal

The European Parliament has demanded further negotiations on the EU's multi-year budget, after national leaders agreed to a cut of 3.3%.

Euro MPs adopted a resolution saying they would only accept the deal on certain conditions.

They want governments to settle outstanding budget bills, to avoid the risk of a shortfall.

The MEPs also want a flexible 2014-2020 budget, so that money not spent in one area can be used in another if needed.

The deal was reached by EU leaders in February at their second attempt, after a battle between countries which wanted their EU contributions to fall in line with national austerity cuts, and others which wanted to see EU spending maintained or boosted.

Many MEPs, along with the European Commission, fell into the second category.

"Today's vote is a clear indication that the European Parliament has accepted the responsibilities given to it by the treaties and will fight for an improved budget for the EU," said the leader of the Socialist grouping in the chamber, Hannes Swoboda, on Wednesday.