Lewandowski

Mr. Lewandowski said he is aiming for a 2014-20 budget increase that would be within the rate of inflation—a demand set out in a December letter by the U.K., French, German, Dutch and Finnish leaders.

EU Mulls Wider Tax Mandate Laurence Norman 2011

"I'm really surprised that some can say no before they have read the proposal," he said at a news conference with Budget Commissioner Janusz Lewandowski.

EU Budget Plan Risks Showdown Laurence Norman 2011

Mr. Lewandowski said he wants to see billions of euros in extra spending on research and development and financing of EU energy, infrastructure and information-technology projects.

EU Mulls Wider Tax Mandate Laurence Norman 2011

To pay for that, Mr. Lewandowski said there needs to be a cap on cohesion funds—spending on poorer EU regions, which amounts to 33% of the budget.

EU Mulls Wider Tax Mandate Laurence Norman 2011

While Mr. Lewandowski seems prepared to court controversy on own resources, he was more cautious in challenging the basic outline of EU budget settlements.

EU Mulls Wider Tax Mandate Laurence Norman 2011

While Mr. Lewandowski is urging a "simplification" of the budget when it comes to rebates that currently exist, he tiptoed around the sensitive issue of the U.K.'s rebate of £3 billion $4.94 billion a year.

EU Mulls Wider Tax Mandate Laurence Norman 2011

Mr. Lewandowski said his proposal wouldn't mean additional contributions for EU taxpayers.

EU Mulls Wider Tax Mandate Laurence Norman 2011

Mr. Lewandowski said in an interview that he hopes that by the end of the next budget period, new forms of own resources could account for 30% of the EU budget.

EU Mulls Wider Tax Mandate Laurence Norman 2011

Mr. Lewandowski lamented the absence of the budget solidarity of years gone, chiding countries such as the U.K., France and Germany for handing Brussels new duties while criticizing him for making provisions to pay the bills to carry them out.

EU Mulls Wider Tax Mandate Laurence Norman 2011

On June 29, Budget Commissioner Janusz Lewandowski is to outline budget proposals for 2014-20.

EU Mulls Wider Tax Mandate Laurence Norman 2011