EU Parliament adopts budget for 2026

The European Parliament has adopted the European Union’s 2026 budget worth €192.8 billion, which further strengthens competitiveness, research, security, and key programs such as Erasmus+, EU4Health, and humanitarian aid, after Parliament secured nearly €400 million more than the European Commission’s original proposal during negotiations with member states.

The 2026 budget was adopted with 419 votes in favor, 185 against and 53 abstentions, CE Report quotes FENA.

To boost competitiveness and improve cross-border infrastructure, MEPs increased funding for the Horizon Europe program by €20 million and for transport and energy networks by €23.5 million. Parliament also secured an additional €10 million for the Civil Protection Mechanism and RescEU to improve disaster coordination and response. Military mobility, which plays a key role in the EU’s defense readiness, will receive an additional €10 million. MEPs also ensured that border management is strengthened with an extra €10 million.

The LIFE program, the EU’s instrument for environmental and climate action, will receive an additional €10 million, while the EU4Health and Erasmus+ programs will each benefit from an extra €3 million.

Parliament requested an additional €35 million for the EU’s southern neighborhood and a €25 million increase for the eastern neighborhood. It also secured a €35 million increase in humanitarian aid in response to growing geopolitical instability, accelerating global humanitarian crises, and climate-related emergencies.

To create new opportunities, especially for young farmers, funding for the promotion of European agricultural products under the European Agricultural Guarantee Fund has been increased by €105 million, in line with Parliament’s position.

The EU faces an unexpected increase in borrowing costs for NextGenerationEU in 2026 amounting to €4.2 billion, which is twice the Commission’s initial estimate. MEPs ensured that these additional costs will not lead to cuts in key programs such as Erasmus+ or EU4Health.

The total 2026 budget amounts to €192.8 billion in commitments and €190.1 billion in payments, leaving a margin of €715.7 million below the 2026 Multiannual Financial Framework ceiling for unforeseen events.

“We live in turbulent times, with rising expectations and increasing demands on the EU budget. As citizens’ priorities shift, it is essential that Parliament and EU institutions listen and respond effectively. Progress is being made, but the budget alone can take us only so far. Continued efforts and further steps are needed to increase competitiveness,” said Johan Van Overtveldt, Chair of the Committee on Budgets.

“In difficult circumstances marked by Russian aggression, natural disasters, and geopolitical pressures, we remained focused on our priority for the 2026 budget during negotiations with EU governments — a safer and stronger Europe. Parliament secured almost €400 million in additional funds, reversed the cuts proposed by the Council, and strengthened key programs, ensuring better border protection, military mobility, and greater support for our neighborhood and humanitarian aid. United in our stance throughout the entire process, we have delivered a solid budget for next year that focuses on a safer, more stable, and stronger Europe for citizens,” said Andrzej Halicki, the European Parliament’s lead rapporteur for the 2026 EU budget.

Foto/ Hina