The EU multiannual financial framework (MFF) ensures for periods of 7 years each the financing of common programmes in all policy areas in Europe ranging from agriculture to research, from regional policy to foreign aid. With Brexit looming, the EU has to face a funding gap of around 15 billion euros per year for the next budgetary period 2021-2027. At the same time, it has to tackle new challenges such as migration, security and defence, the digital transition and climate change. Many Member States have already rejected both expenditure increase and cuts in agricultural and regional funds, as well as new criteria for the allocation of money linked to rule of law and refugees.
EU BUDGET
A new framework for funding the future of Europe
EU leaders to deal Macron eurozone reform setback
EU leaders are set to tackle watered-down proposals to reform the euro single currency, with a plan for a eurozone budget wanted by French President Emmanuel Macron left on the sidelines.
‘Differences’ persist on eurozone budget ahead of key EU summit
Eurogroup head Mario Centeno warns of differing opinions towards a plan by France and Germany to establish a eurozone budget, ahead of a key EU summit to discuss the matter.
Merkel, Macron and key eurozone reforms
After months of silence, the grand ambition of French President Emmanuel Macron to reform the eurozone has finally received a response from German Chancellor Angela Merkel.
EU defence gets 20-billion-euro budget boost
The EU has announced plans to spend nearly 20 billion euros on defence over its next long-term budget, as the bloc seeks to boost its resilience to the perceived threat from Russia
Germany hits brakes on Macron’s European dreams
French President Emmanuel Macron's vision for a stronger EU may be under threat as a growing rift emerges with Germany on everything from defence to his plans for deeper eurozone integration.