European Union debates 2028–2034 multiannual financial framework

The European Union is currently negotiating its multiannual financial framework (MFF) for the 2028–2034 period, a process marked by significant disagreement between member states regarding budget size and structure.

The European Commission proposed a budget of just under €1.76 trillion, while the European Parliament requested approximately €1.94 trillion. Member states have split along traditional lines: six net contributors, including Germany, Austria, and the Netherlands, have called for cuts of several hundred billion euros. Conversely, the sixteen 'Friends of Cohesion'—including Poland, Spain, and Italy—have protested potential reductions to cohesion and agricultural policies.

To address the reluctance of member states to increase contributions, MEP Siegfried Muresan, the Parliament's rapporteur for the budget, has advocated for the EU to adopt its own sources of revenue. Proposed measures include taxing cryptocurrency profits, introducing an EU-wide levy on online gambling, and implementing taxes on major technology giants to ensure a more predictable and transparent funding model.