European Parliament kills Budget Proposal

The European Parliament voted against the budget proposal for 2014-2020 yesterday, rejecting the cut in EU spending. Parliamentarians apparently did feel the pressure of national governments, or of national constituencies, by breaking from their political groups to vote on national lines, at least more than they usually do.

Although this event shows an increase in the EP's power and assertiveness, it also shows that it is far from independent of the Council's influence.

But the outcome is certainly different.