Next year, the EU Parliament secured increased funding for key areas, including research, cross-border infrastructure, border management, climate action, and foreign policy. In a deal with member states on Saturday, November 15, Parliament obtained an additional €372.7 million, building on the Commission’s initial budget proposal.
“We live in turbulent times, with rising expectations and increasing demands on the EU budget. As citizens’ priorities evolve, it is essential for the Parliament and EU institutions to listen and respond effectively. Progress is being made, but the budget alone will only get us so far. Continued efforts and further steps will be needed to enhance competitiveness,” said the chair of the Committee on Budgets, Johan Van Overtveldt (ECR, BE).
To enhance competitiveness and infrastructure, Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) increased funding for Horizon Europe by €20 million and for transport and energy networks by €23.5 million. They also secured €10 million each for the Civil Protection Mechanism, military mobility, and border management.
The LIFE programme will receive an additional €10 million for climate action, while EU4Health and Erasmus+ will each receive an additional €3 million. Parliament pushed for an additional €35 million for the Southern Neighbourhood and €25 million for the Eastern Neighbourhood, as well as €35 million for humanitarian aid to address geopolitical instability and climate-related emergencies.
“In the difficult circumstances of Russia’s war of aggression, natural disasters and geopolitical pressures, we stayed focused on our priority for the 2026 budget during the negotiations with EU governments: a safer, stronger Europe. Parliament secured nearly €400 million in top-ups, reinstated cuts proposed by the Council and reinforced key programmes, for example ensuring better border protection, military mobility, and greater support for our neighbourhood and humanitarian aid. United in our position throughout the process, we delivered a solid budget for next year that focuses on a secure, stable, and stronger Europe for citizens,” said the general rapporteur for the EU’s 2026 budget (for section III – Commission), Andrzej Halicki (EPP, PL).
Funding for the European Agricultural Guarantee Fund was increased by €105 million to support young farmers. The EU faces a €4.2 billion rise in NextGenerationEU borrowing costs for 2026, double the initial projection. MEPs ensured these costs won’t cut funding for essential programmes.
The total budget for 2026 is €192.8 billion in commitments and €190.1 billion for payments.
“The 2026 EU budget represents the Europe we want to build: one that invests in knowledge, youth, research, environmental protection, solidarity, and humanitarian aid. We secured a strong deal that supports crucial EU programmes and key institutions, strengthens our rule of law protections and values, and delivers for our citizens. Thanks to Parliament, the agreement on additional staff and top-ups moves the Union forward, stronger – and this is something we can all be proud of,” rapporteur for the other sections, Matjaž Nemec (S&D, SI) said.
The budget was adopted with 419 votes in favour, 185 against, and 53 abstentions, and the Council endorsed the deal on Monday.
