ERBIL — The European Parliament has recently disclosed parliamentary questions regarding ongoing budgetary disputes within Iraq, submitted on behalf of Kurdistan Region authorities.

The questions, directed to the Vice-President of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, inquire whether the official is aware of the use of "decisions of the Iraqi Federal Courts as political leverage against the KRG [Kurdistan Regional Government]." Additionally, they seek information on steps that can be taken to "improve dialogue and cooperation between Baghdad and the KRG."

The queries specifically reference an agreement signed in September between the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) and the Iraqi federal government concerning the Kurdish share of the budget.

The European Parliament is expected to provide answers to these questions no later than January 8, 2024. The terms of the agreement were subsequently incorporated into Iraq's budget law for the period from 2023 through 2025.

Earlier, on September 14, a senior KRG delegation led by Prime Minister Masrour Barzani visited Baghdad to address financial disputes. Subsequently, an agreement was reached concerning the salaries of the autonomous Kurdish region. The Iraqi Council of Ministers then decided to disburse 700 billion dinars ($534.1 million) monthly, in the form of loans until November, to help the Region cover public expenses, including civil servant salaries.