EU Commission finalise €2 trillion budget plan for 2028-2034

The European Commission has presented its proposal for the next long-term EU budget, covering the period from 2028 to 2034

With a total planned EU budget of nearly €2 trillion in current prices, the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) aims to support key European priorities while ensuring greater flexibility, cohesion, and competitiveness across the Union.

The final proposal includes a second package of seven sectoral programmes, rounding out the whole framework. These programmes target areas ranging from the Single Market and justice to nuclear safety and overseas partnerships.

A fairer justice system

At the heart of the EU budget is the Single Market and Customs Programme, which receives a significant funding boost to €6.2 billion, double the current cycle. This programme combines several existing initiatives, hoping to remove barriers to cross-border trade, improve consumer protection, and streamline cooperation between national administrations. It also strengthens anti-fraud efforts and supports the creation of high-quality official EU statistics.

Alongside this, the Justice Programme will receive close to €800 million. This funding supports judicial cooperation, training, digitalisation of legal systems, and access to justice across the EU. The focus is on building a more inclusive, efficient, and digitally advanced legal landscape.

Investing in nuclear safety and innovation

The EU is also increasing its commitment to nuclear research and safety. The Euratom Research and Training Programme is set to receive €9.8 billion over the MFF period, with €6.7 billion allocated until 2032. A significant portion of the funding will be assigned to ITER, the world’s largest nuclear fusion project. It will also support radiation protection, waste management, and medical applications of nuclear science.

A separate Instrument for Nuclear Safety Cooperation and Decommissioning, worth nearly €1 billion, will combine two current initiatives to continue efforts on nuclear safety both within the EU and in third countries.

The EU budget also extends support for the Ignalina programme, assisting Lithuania in decommissioning the Soviet-era Ignalina nuclear power plant. This work is crucial for ensuring nuclear safety and protecting both public health and the environment.

There will also be €1 billion for the Overseas Association Decision, supporting 13 Overseas Countries and Territories, including Greenland. These territories serve as key geopolitical outposts for the Union, and the funding will help strengthen their connections to the EU.

The Pericles V Programme will continue its mission to fight counterfeiting of the euro, adapting to emerging threats in financial crime and ensuring confidence in Europe’s single currency.

A future-ready Europe

The MFF 2028–2034 reflects a more streamlined and strategic approach to EU funding. Programmes are designed to be easier to access and more adaptable to changing circumstances. Key focus areas include competitiveness, defence, sustainability, and regional cohesion.

To support national implementation, the EU budget introduces National and Regional Partnership Plans, aiming to ensure that funds deliver targeted results on the ground. A revised system of own resources is also part of the package, aiming to strike a balance between fiscal responsibility and the need for long-term investment.

The proposal now moves to the Council of the EU, where it must be approved unanimously by Member States, followed by consent from the European Parliament. Sectoral proposals will proceed through their respective legislative procedures.