EU annual budget: Council agrees its position on the 2026 draft budget
Today, the Council reached an agreement on its position on the 2026 EU draft budget. In total, the Council’s position for next year’s budget amounts to €186.24 billion in commitments and €186.49 billion in payments, not including appropriations foreseen for special instruments outside the multiannual financial framework (MFF).
Overall, the Council takes a prudent and realistic approach, based on a number of overarching principles.
In a changing world, we need a strong Europe. To do so requires a common budget that supports our shared priorities while also allowing room to handle unexpected challenges. I am encouraged by the unanimous support from member states to the Council position on the EU 2026 budget. It provides a solid mandate for upcoming negotiations with the European Parliament.
Nicolai Wammen, Danish minister for finance, chief negotiator for the Council on the 2026 budget
First, the Council stresses the importance of ensuring that the budget for 2026 stands at an appropriate level for the implementation of policies and programmes.
Second, the 2026 budget should safeguard the EU’s ability to cope with ongoing crises and challenges, such as in Ukraine and the Middle East, strengthening Europe’s defence readiness and preparedness, as well as addressing migratory pressures in line with the MFF revision priorities.
Third, the Council considers that next year’s budget should allow for sufficient margins under the MFF 2021-2027 ceilings to deal with unforeseen crises and unforeseen circumstances.
At the same time, the 2026 budget should provide enough resources to allow commitments already made to be paid in due time.
