Finance Minister Jim Flaherty hints the next federal budget may be later than usual this year because of concerns over Europe.

And Flaherty repeated he is not looking at introducing an "austerity" budget, saying weak economic conditions call for a balanced approach between limiting spending and creating jobs.

The minister told reporters he will decide on a date soon.

There has been speculation the budget would come in late February or early March but Flaherty says he is worried about Europe's debt problems and the possible impact on Canada.

That suggests Flaherty wants to wait as long as possible to see if European leaders can contain the crisis.

Flaherty says he is comforted that Canada's growth has been steady so far, if not spectacular, and that conditions appear to have improved in the United States.