Abstract
On 1 May 2004 Europe celebrates the entrance of ten new members in the European Union but behind the fireworks and the celebrations, Brussels has to adapt itself to this new generation of the European project. One of the most important points is the budgetary issue. History has shown that the budget is a source of tension between the members and everybody keeps in mind the 1965 crisis when De Gaulle withdrew France from its participation in the work of the Council of the Ministers in protest at a proposal from the commission concerning the financing of the Community's budget (George & Bache, 2000). The budget of the European Union finances the operations of the EU institution and the EU policies. It is defined by an agreement between all the member states. The expenditures are voted on by the parliament and the Council according to the draft budget submitted by the Commission.
