MFF 2028-2034: "MEPs vote a 10% increase in the EU budget, +197.30bn" (BUDG Committee)

The Budgets Committee, which sets out the Parliament's negotiating position on the next MFF (2028-2034), voted in favour of a 10% increase in the overall budget compared to the Commission's proposal (€2.000 bn) on 15/04/2026 in Brussels, by 26 votes for, 9 against and 5 abstentions.

"This is the minimum amount of money the EU needs to meet its commitments, respond to citizens’ expectations, and address major challenges, including large-scale warfare in Europe, economic and social challenges, a competitiveness gap and the worsening climate and biodiversity crises", MEPs say.

"While the interim report of the BUDG Committee does not alter the MFF structure proposed by the Commission, we strongly oppose the re-nationalisation of the EU budget, rejecting an “à la carte” EU and warning the Commission's “one plan per Member State” approach could undermine EU policies, reduce transparency, and create competition between beneficiaries", they add.

Additional remarks from MEPs include:
• "regional and local authorities should be fully involved in planning and implementing the programmes";
• a call for greater support for key programmes such as the European Competitiveness Fund (ECF), Horizon Europe, the Connecting Europe Facility, Erasmus+, AgoraEU and the civil protection mechanism, along with dedicated funding for EU4Health actions as well as LIFE-related actions under the ECF;
• a call for stronger funding for enlargement, development, support to Ukraine, multilateral cooperation and humanitarian aid";
• transparency and accountability under concerns (linked to simplification, flexibility and the respect of EU values and the rule of law);
• and support for new revenue sources -the Parliament urges Member States to reach an agreement on this topic.

The European Parliament will vote in Plenary session on 29/04/2026. If agreed upon, it will be ready to start negotiating with the Council on the structure and main figures of the next MFF.