EU leaders debate future budget plans ahead of Middle East talks

After concluding the first day of the summit a few hours ago with a discussion on global macroeconomic imbalances and their impact on the competitiveness of the European economy, the heads of state and government of EU member states will continue the European Council meeting in Brussels this morning with talks on the framework for negotiations on the EU’s long-term budget for 2028–2034.

The proposed framework envisages a seven-year budget of approximately €1.948 trillion, CE Report quotes STA.

It would be structured around three pillars: national and regional plans, through which member states would receive funding for areas including cohesion and agricultural policy; a European Competitiveness Fund; and the EU’s external action policy.

The two-day summit will conclude with a working lunch on developments in the Middle East, attended by leaders including Slovenian Prime Minister Janez Janša, following the agreement signed by Iran and the United States on Wednesday to end the war.