EU Council and Parliament Finalize 2025 Budget Agreement
Brussels (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – The European Council and the European Parliament have reached an agreement on the 2025 EU budget, emphasizing key policy areas and responding to ongoing geopolitical challenges.
Total Commitments and Payments for 2025
On November 16, 2024, the European Council and the European Parliament finalized the EU’s budget for 2025. The approved budget focuses on addressing the European Union’s main priorities while considering the complex geopolitical landscape.
For 2025, total commitments are set at €192.768,6 million, and total payments at €149.615,7 million. These figures exclude allocations for special instruments outside the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF). Additionally, €800,5 million has been reserved for future needs, allowing the EU to adapt to unexpected developments while staying within the 2021-2027 financial framework.
Péter Banai, Hungarian Minister of State and lead negotiator for the Council on the 2025 budget, remarked: “We have agreed on a balanced and responsible budget that allows the EU to address its priority areas while being mindful of taxpayer interests. The 2025 budget ensures sufficient flexibility to respond to unforeseen events, considering the current economic and geopolitical environment. Moreover, it provides the necessary financing for reconstruction efforts in countries affected by natural disasters.”
Changes from the Draft to the Final Budget
The budget has undergone several adjustments throughout the negotiation process.
The European Commission presented its draft budget on July 12, 2024, proposing total commitments at €193.046,9 million and total payments at €147.090,5 million, without considering appropriations for special instruments outside the MFF framework.
On September 13, 2024, the European Council proposed a slightly lower budget, setting commitments at €191.527,0 million and payments at €146.214,6 million.
Following further negotiations, the European Parliament, on October 23, 2024, suggested total commitments of €194.282,3 million and total payments of €147.897,2 million.
Ultimately, the final budget agreement for 2025 represents a compromise between these positions.
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