The annual budget negotiations took place against the backdrop of dynamic developments and global challenges. The EU Commission has a total of EUR 189.4 billion at its disposal in the coming year. MEPs had campaigned for an increase in funding for programmes to deal with the consequences of the war in Ukraine, global challenges and to support young people. In addition, funding was increased for the post-pandemic recovery, the fight against anti-Semitism and the promotion of the green transition, in line with Parliament’s priorities. The budget for Horizon will be increased by EUR 85 million compared to the EU Commission’s proposal (link). The budget increase for Erasmus+ amounts to EUR 60 million. This brings the amounts for the programmes for 2024 to EUR 12.9 billion and EUR 3.8 billion respectively. Other programmes also received a budget increase. These include humanitarian aid (+€250 million), the instrument for neighbourhood policy, development and international cooperation “Global Europe” (+€150 million) and LIFE (+€20 million).

The Council adopted the proposal on 20 November (Link), the Parliament on 22 November (Link).

The agreement on the annual budget comes at a time when the revision of the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) is still pending. Once this has been agreed, additional funds can be made available for certain parts of the budget.