European Union budget talks centre on agriculture funding and new revenue sources

European Union leaders are preparing to adopt a €2 trillion budget for the 2028‑2034 period. The draft proposal, put forward by the European Commission, has drawn criticism from both net‑contributing and net‑receiving member states. The Netherlands warned that the compromise gives too much emphasis to agriculture and cohesion spending and not enough to defence, research and innovation, while Spain called for higher allocations to farmers to offset inflation.

Romanian MEP Daniel Buda highlighted the need for careful management of limited EU funds, noting that economic pressures in major economies such as Germany require prudence in public‑money allocation. He stressed that the agriculture sector still needs more support to ensure farmers’ survival.

Negotiators are also exploring new financing options, including revenues from the sale of CO₂ emission allowances and possible import taxes on certain goods, to reduce the burden on national treasuries while meeting the bloc’s spending priorities.