President. − Dear colleagues, Mr Minister Dominik, Mr Commissioner, the budgetary procedure for the financial year 2012 was the second full procedure to be conducted according to the new procedure introduced by the Lisbon Treaty. For the first time, a joint text was agreed by the Conciliation Committee within the 21 days provided for in Article 314(5) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union.

With today’s vote, the joint text has now been approved by the European Parliament and the Council. I consider that the budgetary procedure has been carried out in a legal and regular manner in conformity with Article 314 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union.

The budgetary procedure for the financial year 2012 can thus be deemed to be completed. I therefore declare that the budget is definitively adopted. Congratulations for your efforts, dear friends.

(Applause)