Talks went into the wee hours, but with no agreement on the 2011 EU budget payments could be frozen at 2010 levels. EU regions rejoiced that cohesion policy is secure for next year.

The News: EU budget freeze - Regional funding safe

in this edition the consequences of the  deadlock for big European projects.

the Commission considers regional policy  should serve growth and employment.

And also the rest of the headlines in brief.

Midnight – after long hours  of negotiations,

MEPs confirmed the failure  of talks on the 2011 EU budget.

Parliament and Council failed  to find agreement.

MEPs did however accept  a limited increase of the budget,

in exchange they want  a strong political signal.

For us it was crucial to find a solution  on the flexibility issue,

on the Parliament’s involvement  in future talks on resources.

Finding new resources to finance  the EU? Stalemate.

Faced with failure, the European  Commission must make a new proposal.

If no agreement is found  before December 31,

a temporary solution will be put in place.

In practise the 2010 budget  will be rolled over from 2011.

This figure will be divided in  12 equal parts to be paid out monthly,

not a cent more and many European  policies will pay the price,

starting with Lady Ashton’s new  EU diplomatic service,

It’s about the commitment  to EU2020 strategy

and the United Kingdom, the Netherlands  and others will give up on their blocking.

The Budget Committee chair believes  there's a slight chance

of finding an agreement  before January 1 2011.

The issue is the Parliament’s worry,  the future of European finances...

I am optimistic as I’m convinced we  can have an agreement with the Council.

The response is expected in Brussels  December 16-17.

EU solidarity with its regions  after 2013 is here to stay.

That’s Commissioner Hahn's message  from his report on cohesion policy.

But investments should be made  considering the EU strategy

We must focus on innovation of  small and medium businesses

and macroeconomic stabilisation  should be stressed more than now.

In October, the presidents of the regions  marched on the European Commission.

They fear the cohesion policy,  is paying the price of the economic crisis.

The EU will continue to invest in  cooperation with local representatives.

Regional and cohesion policies are the  real tool for us all to progress together,

and also to reconcile citizens with Europe,  or at least bring them closer.

In 2010, 49 billion euros were provided  for the poorest regions

to catch up with the richest.  After 2013 the figure is unknown.

The funds could be subject  to stricter monitoring.

Now there are conditions to be met by  Member States or regions

to ensure that these structural funds  are invested efficiently

and that they contribute to growth,  new jobs and competitiveness.

“If the eurozone doesn't survive,  nor will the EU."

Council President Van Rompuy  fears for the future of the eurozone.

There are new budgetary turmoils in  Ireland following the Greek crisis.

Eurogroup finance ministers are expected  in Brussels on Tuesday evening.

Free at last. November 13  Nobel peace prize winner

Aung San Suu Kyi was freed  from house arrest,

after 7 years condemned by  the Burmese military junta.

The EP President welcomed the release  of the 1990 Sakharov prize winner.

Her release comes one week after  the first elections held in 20 years,

Get informed to reduce your electricity bill.

A Commission study published  Monday revealed

that a large majority of consumers  doesn’t wish to change operators

By opening up competition bills could be  reduced by 100 euros per year.