Portugal hopes EU would approve next budget soon

Portuguese Prime Minister Antonio Costa said Saturday that he hoped the European Union (EU) would approve the next multiannual financial framework as soon as possible, Lusa News Agency reported.

After meeting his Swedish counterpart Stefan Lofven, Costa told reporters that they shared their views "on what the future of the multiannual financial framework should be."

"It is essential that the European Union does not delay the approval of the next multiannual financial framework," Costa urged.

"It is a sign of confidence for Europeans" and important "not to create new uncertainties about the dynamics of economic growth, job creation in Europe," Costa said.

On his part, Lofven said that "for Sweden it is important to have a modern and adequate budget and the process needs to be carried forward."