The package, called Capital Requirements Directive 4 (CRD4), brings the EU into line with the so-called "Basel III" rules on banking standards, which set new capital requirements for banks.

BBC: EU tightens up bank lending rules and bonuses

This week reports came in from the IMF conference that the European Union (EU) is considering a delay of the implementation of the Basel III banking rules.

FORBES: Basel Barriers: How capital requirements would impede progress in the sovereign debt crisis

The breakthrough in talks between the European parliament and Ireland, which negotiates on behalf of EU member states, paves the way to enact the so-called Basel III capital rules, an internationally agreed blueprint for avoiding another banking crisis.

CNN: EU secures deal to cap bankers' bonuses

So Peace IV could become embroiled in the wider EU budget negotiations which are likely to drag on right up until 2013, when Peace III is due to run out.

BBC: Is a new tranche of peace money on the cards for NI?