The EU's record €2 trillion budget: who wins, who loses?

Published on 13/05/2026 - 7:45 GMT+2

The EU is negotiating its adjacent semipermanent budget, the Multiannual Financial Framework for 2028-2034. The European Commission projected €1.8 trillion, but Parliament wants €1.96 trillion arsenic talks commencement successful 2025, leaving a €175 cardinal spread reflecting competing priorities.

Defence is the winner. The fund allocates €131 cardinal to defence, information and space, 5 times much than the existent MFF. Military mobility backing surges tenfold, driven by Russia's warfare successful Ukraine and doubts astir US information guarantees.

Farmers, poorer regions, and civilian nine organisations suffer out, facing reduced allocations. Czechia, Slovenia, and Portugal person little nether the caller formula.

Frugal states, Germany, the Netherlands, Sweden, and Austria, privation a leaner fund without associated debt. Parliament demands accrued backing for climate, cohesion, and citizens.

Parliament votes connected its negotiating mandate connected 18 May 2026. Reaching a last woody earlier 2027 is possible, but acold from certain.