EU budget for 2026

MEPs have proposed to increase the total budget to €193.9 billion, €597.8 million more than the European Commission's proposal. Actual payments should amount to €192.6 billion. The Parliament rejected cuts pushed through by member states and restored €1.3 billion for key programmes such as Erasmus+ and EU4Health.

MEPs said that in times of geopolitical uncertainty and the climate crisis, the Union must have a strong investment budget that helps people, businesses and regions. In particular, programmes to support research (Horizon Europe + €60 million) and infrastructure (TEN-T and TEN-E + €80 million) will be strengthened. Erasmus+ and EU4Health will each receive an extra €5 million.

The budget also foresees more support for farmers and young farmers, with an increase of €40 million for the European Agricultural Guarantee Fund and +€23 million for young farmers. An additional €30 million will go to the civil protection mechanism and €35 million to military mobility. Humanitarian aid is to be boosted by EUR 50 million, particularly because of the deteriorating situation in Africa, the Middle East and the Eastern neighbourhood.

With the approval of Parliament's position, negotiations now begin with the Council, which has its own proposal. The two institutions must reach agreement on the final budget by the end of the year.