The European Parliament has presented their draft budget demanding an EU budget for 2025 that focuses on improving people's lives, boosting competitiveness, and addressing current challenges. MEPs are proposing a budget of nearly €201 billion, which exceeds the European Commission's initial proposal of around €199.76 billion.
The Parliament's priorities include increasing funding for health, climate action, education and research. In particular, the budget increases support for young people through Erasmus+, agriculture and rural development, and humanitarian aid. Despite the rising costs of repaying the European Recovery Instrument (EURI), which are double what was initially forecast, MEPs emphasise that essential programmes like research and Erasmus+ should not suffer cuts.
The budget includes key proposals for additional funding of €110 million for health initiatives, €70 million for Erasmus+, €42 million to address natural disasters, and €96 million for agriculture. A further €120 million is earmarked for humanitarian aid, with a particular focus on the EU's Eastern and Southern Neighbourhood regions.
MEP Victor Negrescu emphasised that the budget is citizen-centred, with a focus on economic development and quality of life. Niclas Herbst highlighted the importance of cybersecurity and staffing for the EU's institutions. The budget is scheduled to undergo three weeks of discussions between the Parliament and the Council with the objective of reaching an agreement that will shape the EU's investments in 2025. With over 90% of the EU budget directed at investment, this proposal is expected to stimulate growth across the Union's 27 member states.
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