The 2028-2034 EU budget should be set at 1.27% of EU GNI, with debt servicing for the NextGenerationEU (NGEU) recovery fund (0.11% of GNI) kept outside the budget ceilings, according to Parliament’s interim report, adopted by 370 votes to 201, with 84 abstentions.
MEPs propose an increase of around 10% compared to the Commission’s July 2025 proposal. This increase would be distributed evenly across the three budget headings supporting EU priorities (excluding administration and agencies) and would cushion inflationary pressures.
This represents a nominal increase of €175.11 billion (2025 constant prices) or €197.30 billion (current prices) compared to the Commission proposal, excluding NGEU repayment. Overall, Parliament proposes a budget of €1.78 trillion (2025 constant prices), or €2.01 trillion (current prices), to finance the EU’s political priorities and strategic objectives.
MEPs stress that the next long-term EU budget must remain an investment tool supporting EU policies, citizens, regions, businesses and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), while securing EU added value compared to national spending. They firmly oppose any re-nationalisation, rejecting an “à la carte” approach and warning that the Commission’s “one plan per member state” model could weaken EU policies, reduce transparency and create competition between beneficiaries.
Distinct and more funding for key programmes
MEPs want strong and adequately funded policies, with distinct allocations for policies under the national and regional partnership plans, including the common agricultural policy and fisheries policy, also for the outermost regions, cohesion policy, the European Social Fund and home affairs. They also stress that regional and local authorities should be fully involved in planning and implementing the programmes.
MEPs welcome the Commission’s proposal to double funding for competitiveness, defence, innovation, the digital and green transitions, infrastructure, health, education and culture. They call for increased support for key programmes such as the European Competitiveness Fund (ECF), Horizon Europe, the Connecting Europe Facility, Erasmus+, AgoraEU and the civil protection mechanism, as well as dedicated funding for EU4Health and LIFE-related actions under the ECF.
While supporting increased resources for external action, MEPs consider the proposed level insufficient and call for stronger funding of enlargement, development, support for Ukraine, multilateral cooperation and humanitarian aid.
Transparency and accountability under threat
MEPs stress that simplification must not undermine transparency, accountability or democratic oversight. They warn that widespread use of financing not linked to costs could hinder proper auditing. The report also underlines that respect for EU values and the rule of law is a precondition for accessing EU funds, while avoiding penalising final recipients for breaches of the rule of law by their governments.
Revenue side
MEPs reaffirm Parliament’s strong commitment to introducing new own resources to repay NextGenerationEU debt and finance the budget. They support the Commission’s proposed “basket approach” and stress new revenue sources should be adopted with the next MFF and generate around €60 billion annually. If some proposals are dropped, they call for alternatives to be considered, such as a digital services levy, an online gambling levy, an extension of the carbon border adjustment mechanism (CBAM), or a levy on crypto-asset capital gains.
For detailed figures, check Annex II of the interim report.
Quotes
“With today’s vote, the European Parliament is setting the tone in terms of ambition and timing. We have adopted a strong position on the next budget, balancing new and traditional priorities with a moderate 10% increase. We call on the European Council to step up, take our proposals forward, and agree on a strong, timely budget. We are ready to engage,” said Siegfried Mureşan (EPP, Romania), co-rapporteur.
“Common agricultural policy, cohesion funds, Horizon Europe, Erasmus+ – these are not relics of the past, but the backbone of European solidarity and the shapers of our future. Ambition without resources is empty, which is why we have adopted a strong position on the next budget, balancing new and traditional priorities with a moderate increase and new, genuine own resources. It is now up to the European Council to match our ambition, build on our proposals, and secure a strong, timely budget – one that works for regions, for beneficiaries, and for people. We look forward to constructive negotiations,” said Carla Tavares (S&D, Portugal), co-rapporteur.
Next steps
Parliament has now finalised its position on the regulation setting the structure and main figures for the 2028-2034 budget. The MFF regulation requires Parliament’s consent for approval, and negotiations can begin once member states agree on a complete common position.
Background
Parliament set out its priorities for the post-2027 EU budget in May 2025. The Commission presented its proposal for the next long-term EU budget in July 2025, which leading MEPs said amounts to a real-terms investment freeze while covering NGEU repayment. The budget is overwhelmingly invested in businesses, farmers, regions, and civil society, with roughly 6% spent on administration.
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