The Council took note of the Presidency's presentation of the first version of its "negotiating box" for the financial perspective, a tool intended to assist in preparing the financial framework laid down for the EU's budget during the period 2007-2013.
The Presidency's aim is to enable the European Council to reach political agreement at its meeting on 16 and 17 June 2005, in accordance with the timetable laid down in the Council's multiannual strategic programme. The Permanent Representatives Committee (Coreper), which is responsible for preparing the Council's proceedings, will begin its examination of the negotiating box at its meeting on 17 March 2005.