Van Hecke (ELDR), draftsman of the opinion of the Committee on Foreign Affairs, Human Rights, Common Security and Defence Policy. – (NL) Mr President, the subject of the budget. The Council has ‘only’ cut the European Commission’s original proposals for Heading 4, External action, which contained a 3.9% increase on the previous year, by 0.3%. As we all know, the European Union will be taking on more and more new commitments. These relate to the fight against terrorism and organised crime, the reconstruction of Iraq, badly governed countries such as Afghanistan and Congo, the enlarged Europe, conflict prevention in the Middle East, and so on. These are important matters and it is also clear that the people are in favour of a more assertive external policy: 67% of Europeans state that they support more European Union in the world.

On the other hand, it is crystal clear that the financial limits of the possible commitments will have been reached unless more money is made available. In a few weeks’ time the European Union will be participating in the international donor conference on the reconstruction of Iraq. Mr Patten is suggesting a possible EU contribution of about EUR 200 million in 2003-2004. Others are suggesting an amount of EUR 500 million. Either way, our Committee on Foreign Affairs, Human Rights, Common Security and Defence Policy does not want this to be at the expense of other geographical zones or commitments, such as Afghanistan, or non-geographical budget lines such as the rapid response concept and landmines. If the European Union wants to assume its share of responsibility for peace and security in the world, it must also be prepared to earmark the necessary financial resources. If not, Europe is at risk of becoming a political dwarf on the international stage.