EU.XL
EU’s €2 trillion budget talks risk becoming ugly and delayed
A fierce budget battle is brewing in Brussels as the European Parliament pushes for nearly €200 billion more in the EU’s next long-term budget, setting up a clash with Ursula von der Leyen and fiscally conservative member states over how to fund Europe’s ambitions.
EU.XL
MFF mayhem: Should the EU increase its budget, or focus on austerity?
The next MFF has sparked a high-stakes tug-of-war between the European Commission, which proposed an initial €1.8 trillion plan, the European Parliament, insisting on an additional €200 billion, and "frugal" member states determined to slash spending.
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Europe News
Von der Leyen offers minor concessions on EU budget to placate MEPs
Ursula von der Leyen has proposed changes to her €2 trillion EU budget to empower regional authorities and protect financing for rural areas. The tweaks look to stave off a parliamentary rebellion after a week of tensions.
Europe News
The European Parliament revolts against Commission budget proposal
Four political groups, including the European People's Party, send strongly-worded letter to Ursula von der Leyen asking for changes to the budget proposal. “The Parliament cannot accept this as a basis to start negotiations”.
EU Decoded
The battle over the EU's €2 trillion budget has begun
The European Commission has proposed a €2 trillion long-term budget which would controversially merge agricultural and cohesion funds. Commission President Ursula von der Leyen defended the move as effective, but critics have warned it could undermine rural and regional development.
Brussels, My Love?
The battle for the EU budget - who wins, who loses?
In this edition of our weekly talk show, participants discuss the launch of the EU budget deliberations, attempts to raise taxes on tobacco and alcohol and the major escalation in Europe's scrutiny of the fast fashion business model.
Health news
EU Commission unlocks health funds but leaves civil society reeling from cuts
After months of delay, the European Commission has finally published its long-awaited 2025 budget programme for health, but civil society organisations say the delay and funding cuts have already caused lasting damage, forcing layoffs and halting key activities.
Europe News
Will the EU budget turn cohesion policy into regional 'Hunger Games'?
The EU’s proposed 2028–2034 budget risks turning the bloc's cohesion policy into a high-stakes competition for funding by merging it with other major spending areas, sparking concerns over reduced local control and lack of support for disadvantaged regions.
