"It is going to be extremely difficult. Extremely difficult. Every euro, every billion is going to take hard work, but what is needed will be done," Katainen told the media.
The prime minister went on to point out that the government has already made decisions on five billion euros in budget adjustments and that now further savings are being sought.
"The budget papers have been gone through so many times that there is not much excess left," added Katainen.
Finance Minister Jutta Urpilainen agreed that the negotiations on Monday were difficult.
"Very sticky," she commented after the day's early round of talks.
Urpilainen confirmed that in addition to savings, the cabinet is also planning a package of economic growth measures. Decisions on that issue are expected on Tuesday.
