The text stresses that 2027’s budget must strengthen Europe’s social model, territorial cohesion and security and calls for a budget that boosts competitiveness and prosperity, creates and protects quality jobs, and enhances security and defence capabilities. In a context of geopolitical instability, security threats, economic pressures and growing societal challenges, MEPs argue that a predictable, robust, investment-oriented and citizen-centred budget is more essential than ever.
Focus on labour, housing and democracy
MEPs highlight cohesion policy as a key investment tool to boost competitiveness and want the 2027 budget to support critical infrastructure and transport. Tackling labour shortages, skills gaps and demographic pressures must also remain a priority, alongside increased support for SMEs and startups. They call for more funding to address the housing crisis and stress the need for resilient healthcare systems. MEPs advocate stronger support for civil society organisations, independent media and investigative journalism, as well as stronger action against disinformation and gender-based violence. The guidelines underline that rule-of-law conditionality is a fundamental principle that must apply to all EU funds.
Investing together to tackle strategic challenges
Parliament reaffirms the EU’s commitment to climate neutrality by 2050 and calls for increased investment in energy efficiency, the circular economy, biodiversity and digital innovation. MEPs also stress the need for adequate support for farmers, the fisheries sector, civil protection, and effective asylum, migration and border management, particularly for EU countries with external borders.
MEPs stress the urgency of strengthening Europe’s security and defence capabilities through common investment in research, dual-use technologies and military mobility and support for member states bordering Ukraine, Russia or Belarus. They also call for stronger EU external action and increased funding for development, humanitarian aid and neighbourhood policy, while reminding EU governments of their agreement to provide Ukraine with a €90 billion loan.
MEPs warn that rising borrowing costs linked to the NextGenerationEU recovery instrument must not come at the expense of established EU programmes and stress the urgent need for new revenue sources.
The text was adopted with 389 in favour, 191 against and 75 abstentions.
More details in this press release.
Quote
“The 2027 budget guidelines show that the European Parliament can unite around citizens’ priorities. We focused on resilience, social cohesion, competitiveness and protecting key EU programmes. A key priority is strengthening our eastern border regions, which face growing security and economic pressures. Solidarity must be territorial, ensuring these communities receive the support they need,” general rapporteur for the 2027 budget, Nils Ušakovs said.
Next steps
The Commission is expected to present its proposal for next year’s budget in June. Parliament’s negotiators will use the guidelines as the basis for their discussions with the Council and the Commission. The budget needs to be agreed between the Council and the Parliament by the end of this year.
Background
The annual budget lays down all the EU’s expenditure and revenue for one year within the limits set by the EU’s seven-year budget. The guidelines set out what Parliament expects the Commission to consider when drawing up its budget proposal.