Why are we discussing the European budget?
Europe is in an era of profound change – for our society and security, our planet and economy, our democracy and prosperity. We can only tackle those global challenges through joint action from all Europeans. And the European budget is one of the driving forces behind European action.
The European budget aims to support our political priorities. By pooling financial resources, we can better meet common challenges and create a positive and direct impact on citizens’ everyday life.
In 2025, the Commission will present a proposal for a new European long-term budget starting in 2028, which will then be decided by the European Parliament and Member States. The European long-term budget requires the unanimous approval of all its Member States, and the majority of Members of the European Parliament.
This is an opportunity to agree on a strong and modern European budget fit for our ambitions.
How can I join the EU-wide debate on the new budget?
We look to engage in a debate with you. This will help us to better determine how to use the European budget in the best way possible in the future.
How can we make the most of every euro of the European budget? How can it reflect the different needs Europeans have – uniting us in diversity? Do you have ideas on how the European budget could make a direct and positive difference in your life? How can it best address common European challenges?
This is a space for respectful debate where you can share your views and engage with other citizens.
Join the debate and help us ensure that the actions we take today will strengthen Europe tomorrow.
How will the Commission follow up on collected ideas?
We want to hear your views to help define the Union’s future budget. Your insights are key to making sure the European budget meets needs and creates meaningful change.
Contributions made on the Platform will be taken into account by the Commission in the preparation of the proposal for the new European budget.
Timeline
- February - MayOnline debate
Citizens create, comment and vote on contributions on the Citizens' Engagement Platform, either through individual contributions or as a result of collective work for example in the form of participatory event.
- March - MayCitizens' Panel
Online contributions feed into panel discussions and finally into the European policymaking.
- JulyProposal
The Commission publishes the proposal for the new European budget.
European budget: What’s at stake?
The European long-term budget defines the size of the budget and what it is spent on for several years. The current long-term budget runs from 2021 to 2027 and amounts to EUR 1.2 trillion, representing approximately 1% of the EU GDP. It is topped up by approximately EUR 800 billion from NextGenerationEU, a temporary instrument to power the recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.
The European budget has shown that it delivers for citizens. For instance, by funding projects and activities supporting the social and economic development of European regions, supporting farmers and rural areas, protecting the environment and combating climate change, promoting the digital transition of our societies, and supporting research and innovation. And in recent years, it has become our lifeline in times of crises, from the COVID-19 pandemic to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, to support our energy independence and support Ukraine.
Thanks to the support provided by the European budget:
- 87 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent avoided per year.
- 16 million people have participated in Erasmus since its creation in 1987.
- 5.8 million farmers benefited from direct financial support from the Common Agricultural Policy in 2022.
Public Online Consultation
In addition to expressing your views in the debate on this Platform, you can also participate in the ongoing open public consultations on this topic.