EU’s 2027 Budget: More Money for Everything (Except Boring Stuff)
The European Parliament just voted on what they want in the 2027 budget, and spoiler alert: they want a lot. With 389 MEPs saying “yes please” and 191 saying “maybe not,” Parliament has laid out a shopping list that would make Santa nervous.
The Big Three: Jobs, Security, and Not Falling Apart
The budget priorities read like a greatest hits album of things people actually care about. Social cohesion? Check. Competitiveness? You bet. Security? Obviously – have you seen the neighborhood lately?
MEPs are pushing for cash to flow into critical infrastructure, housing (because apparently Europeans would like roofs over their heads), and healthcare systems that don’t collapse when someone sneezes. Revolutionary stuff.
Money, Money, Money (But Where’s It Coming From?)
Here’s where it gets spicy: Parliament wants to tackle labor shortages, fund startups, support farmers, protect borders, fight climate change, AND loan Ukraine €90 billion. Oh, and they’re worried about rising borrowing costs from that NextGenerationEU recovery fund eating into existing programs.
Their solution? “We need new revenue sources!” Translation: “We need more money to get all this money we’re spending.”
Democracy, Media, and Fighting the Trolls
In a refreshingly specific move, MEPs want funding for independent journalism and fighting disinformation. Because apparently, keeping democracy alive and stopping your uncle from sharing conspiracy theories both require EU budget lines.
They’re also big on the rule of law, insisting it applies to all EU funds. Imagine that – wanting rules to actually apply to everyone.
Eastern Borders Get Some Love
Budget rapporteur Nils Ušakovs made sure to highlight support for eastern border regions, noting they face “growing security and economic pressures.” That’s diplomatic speak for “things are tense over there.”
What Happens Next?
The Commission will present its actual budget proposal in June, probably after recovering from reading Parliament’s wish list. Then comes the fun part: negotiations with the Council, where member states will inevitably say “sounds great, but how about less?”
The final budget needs approval by year’s end, giving everyone plenty of time to argue about who gets what and why their priority is more important than everyone else’s.
In short: Parliament wants to fund everything good while avoiding anything bad, all without spending too much money they don’t have. Politics!