The European Commission today made a historic announcement by proposing an annual EU budget of €199.7 billion for the year 2025. This substantial budget will be complemented by an estimated €72 billion in disbursements under the NextGenerationEU programme. The proposed financial package is designed to strengthen financing of Europe’s main priorities, in line with revisions to the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) in February 2024.
The draft budget for 2025 emphasizes the strategic distribution of funds to address critical areas and align with the needs of EU member states and global partners. The primary objective is to improve Europe’s resilience and adaptability for the future, ultimately benefiting EU citizens and businesses. This goal will be achieved through initiatives that promote green and digital transitions, create employment opportunities and enhance Europe’s strategic autonomy and country’s global influence. The proposed budget will also extend support for essential technologies through the Technology for Europe (STEP) strategic plan.
Budget highlights:
Support for partner regions: The budget allocates significant funds to continue supporting Syrian refugees in Turkey, the wider region, the Southern Neighborhood and the Western Balkans. Additionally, stable support is expected for Ukraine. Breakdown of allocations: Notable allocations include €53.8 billion for the Common Agricultural Policy, €49.2 billion for regional development and cohesion, and €16.3 billion for international cooperation, including funds for the Neighborhood, Development and International Cooperation Instrument. Research and innovation: A substantial share, €13.5 billion, will be dedicated to research and innovation, with a significant sum allocated to Horizon Europe, the Union’s flagship research programme. Strategic investments: The budget includes provisions for European strategic investments, focusing on areas such as cross-border infrastructure, digital transformation and key technological advances. Targeted initiatives: Specific budget allocations target, among others, environment and climate action, border protection, migration-related spending, defense capabilities and the functioning of the single market. Upcoming adoption: The annual budget for 2025 is expected to be formally adopted by the budgetary authority before the end of the year, following a thorough review process.
The proposed budget for 2025, anchored in the long-term budgetary framework adopted in 2020 and amended in 2024, underlines the Union’s commitment to transforming its priorities into tangible results. The financial plan aims to drive significant change and progress in a range of areas crucial for Europe’s development and sustainability.
Originally published in The European Times.
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