Brussels, Apr 28 (LaPresse) – The European Parliament has adopted its mandate for negotiations with EU governments on the next Multiannual Financial Framework of the EU. Out of 655 voters, 370 voted in favour, 201 against and 84 abstained. The Parliament proposes a Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) for the 2028–2034 period of €1,780 billion (in 2025 constant prices, equivalent to €2,010 billion in current prices). This would represent an increase of €175.11 billion (€197.30 billion in current prices) compared to the Commission’s July 2025 proposal, around 10%. This increase is calculated excluding from the next MFF the repayment of the NextGenerationEU recovery fund debt, as proposed by the Commission. MEPs are expected to call for this repayment to be managed separately, without affecting EU funds. This means that, for MEPs, the long-term budget would be set at 1.27% of EU GNI, with the repayment of NextGenerationEU debt (representing 0.11% of GNI) calculated above the MFF ceilings. In the text drafted by the Committee on Budgets, MEPs call for this increase to be allocated to key EU programmes, without additional funds for administration or decentralised EU agencies. MEPs argue that their proposal represents the minimum amount necessary for the EU to honour its commitments, meet citizens’ expectations and address current challenges. Now that the position has been adopted, Parliament is ready to begin negotiations with the Council on the regulation setting out the structure and main figures of the 2028–2034 budget. Talks can start once the Council has agreed its position. The MFF regulation requires the consent of the Parliament (by an absolute majority of MEPs) to be approved.
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