EU budget negotiations intensify ahead of 2027 elections

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 13 Oct, 13:08 · Archive

Political tensions are rising over the European Union's next long-term budget as member states struggle to agree before unpredictable elections next year.

Political tensions have mounted over the European Union's 2028-2034 budget as pressure builds to reach agreement before major elections in France, Italy, Poland and Spain next year. The negotiations are occurring as the EU faces external pressures including supporting Ukraine against Russian invasion and remaining competitive amid high energy prices and trade tensions with the United States and China.

Ireland, holding the EU's rotating presidency, proposed a budget of 1.62 trillion euros on the weekend, representing a 30 per cent increase over the current seven-year package. However, this figure falls 8 per cent short of what the European Commission is seeking. The EU budget, known as the multiannual financial framework, amounts to around 1.2 per cent of the 27-nation bloc's gross national income and is financed mostly by member countries based on the size of their economies.

Sweden, one of approximately eight net contributor countries that pay more into the budget than they receive in allocations, insists 'several hundred billion euros' more in cuts are needed. The spending plan must be endorsed by all member countries and the European Parliament, making unanimous agreement essential. Elections in France, where hard-right parties are leading in opinion polls, and unpredictable results expected in Poland and Spain, add urgency to finalising the budget before political landscapes shift.

How it is being reported

• Tensions flare over the EU’s next long-term budget ahead of unpredictable elections in 2027Political tensions are rising over the European Union's next long-term budget.Clickorlando · 13 Oct, 12:36
• Tensions flare over the EU’s next long-term budget ahead of unpredictable elections in 2027Political tensions are rising over the European Union's next long-term budget.News4Jax · 13 Oct, 12:36

In this story: European Union · Ireland · Sweden · France · Italy · Poland · Spain · Ukraine

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