07 May 2025
EP adopts resolution on priorities for EU's post-2027 long-term budget
On 7 May 2025, the European Parliament (EP) adopted a resolution on its vision and demands for the EU’s 2028-2034 budget. The resolution was adopted by 317 votes in favour, 206 against and with 123 abstentions. MEPs call for a significantly more ambitious multiannual financial framework (MFF) that can deliver on EU citizens’ rising expectations amid global instability. The current spending ceiling of 1% of the EU-27’s gross national income is not enough to address the growing number of crises and challenges, MEPs say. The post-2027 budget should reflect current geopolitical, economic, and environmental realities and be flexible.
The EP rejects the Commission’s ‘single national plan’ approach replicating the Recovery and Resilience Facility's approach, saying that it cannot be the basis for spending in Member States.
With regard to the envisaged Competitiveness Fund, MEPs consider this to be inadequate. Instead, they call for a new, targeted fund designed to leverage private and public investments through EU-backed de-risking mechanisms. Increased defence spending is necessary, they say, but this must not undermine social and environmental spending or long-standing policies.
Amongst other issues, the resolution also calls for cutting unnecessary red tape for beneficiaries, adding, however, that this must not give the Commission more leeway without Parliament’s democratic scrutiny: "A simpler budget must be a more transparent budget".
The priorities outlined in the EP's resolution are designed to feed into the Commission’s proposal on the EU’s next long‑term budget, due to be published in July 2025.
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