STRASBOURG, France (AP) — Many European Union leaders will push for a harshly pared-down budget at their summit this week but the EU parliament insists it is ready to reject a deal that curtails spending on growth and employment.

On the eve of the two-day summit, which begins Thursday, European Council President Herman Van Rompuy said that “for the first time ever – there will be a real terms cut compared to the current budget.” Van Rompuy chairs the summits, which are held in Brussels.

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