The European Parliament has approved the EU budget for 2026, worth €192.8 billion in commitments and €190.1 billion in payments. The plan prioritises research, competitiveness, border protection and security, with MEPs securing almost €400 million more than initially proposed by the Council. The budget passed with 419 votes in favour, 185 against and 53 abstentions.
Budget rapporteur Andrzej Halicki said the goal is to build “a safer and stronger Europe” amid Russia’s aggression, natural disasters and geopolitical pressures.
Additional funding has been directed toward border management, military mobility, neighbourhood assistance and humanitarian aid. The Parliament also boosted resources for cross-border infrastructure, energy and transport networks, and civil protection capacities under RescEU.
Key EU programmes will see notable increases: €20 million more for Horizon research, €25 million for transport and energy networks, and €10 million each for military mobility, border management and climate action under the LIFE programme. Erasmus+, EU4Health and humanitarian aid also received higher allocations, along with €105 million in additional support for promoting European agricultural products. In total, over 93% of the EU budget goes directly to programmes benefiting citizens and projects across the Union.
