28 Apr 2026
European Parliament sets out its position on the next MFF
On 27 April 2026, the European Parliament (EP) set out its position for negotiations with Member States on the main figures and structure of the 2028-2034 Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF). According to the EP, the 2028-2034 EU budget should be set at 1.27% of EU GNI, with debt servicing for the NextGenerationEU (NGEU) recovery fund (0.11% of GNI) kept outside the budget ceilings, according to Parliament’s interim report, adopted by 370 votes to 201, with 84 abstentions.
MEPs propose an increase of around 10% compared to the Commission’s July 2025 proposal. This increase would be distributed evenly across the three budget headings supporting EU priorities (excluding administration and agencies) and would cushion inflationary pressures. This represents a nominal increase of €175.11 billion (2025 constant prices) or €197.30 billion (current prices) compared to the Commission proposal, excluding NGEU repayment. Overall, Parliament proposes a budget of €1.78 trillion (2025 constant prices), or €2.01 trillion (current prices), to finance the EU’s political priorities and strategic objectives.
MEPs stress that the next long-term EU budget must remain an investment tool supporting EU policies, citizens, regions, businesses and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), while securing EU added value compared to national spending. They firmly oppose any re-nationalisation, rejecting an “à la carte” approach and warning that the Commission’s “one plan per member state” model could weaken EU policies, reduce transparency and create competition between beneficiaries.
Amongst other issues, MEPs welcome the Commission’s proposal to double funding for competitiveness, defence, innovation, the digital and green transitions, infrastructure, health, education and culture. They call for increased support for key programmes such as the European Competitiveness Fund (ECF), Horizon Europe, the Connecting Europe Facility, Erasmus+, AgoraEU and the civil protection mechanism, as well as dedicated funding for EU4Health and LIFE-related actions under the ECF.
Parliament has now finalised its position on the regulation setting the structure and main figures for the 2028-2034 budget. The MFF regulation requires Parliament’s consent for approval, and negotiations can begin once member states agree on a complete common position.
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