EU budget talks yield compromise

The preliminary deal envisions a three percent cut in expenditures, cuts are also to be implemented in the areas such as cross-border transport, energy and telecoms projects and on pay and perks for EU officials. Regional spending - or 'cohesion policy', which Poland and other net recipients of the EU budget have been fighting to keep at current levels - will be left untouched.

According to Jerzy Buzek, former president of the European Parliament, the initial agreement was not a response to the economic crisis in Europe."There is no reason for euphoria. We Poles can be satisfied but when taking into consideration the growth of the EU as a whole and its capabilities as far as education or job creation are concerned - this is not the best budget. It's a shame EU leaders turned out to be so stingy" he said.

Danuta Isler reports.