Parliament’s budget priorities for 2027: social cohesion, competitiveness, security

The text emphasises that the 2027 budget must strengthen Europe’s social model, territorial cohesion and security, and calls for a budget that boosts competitiveness and prosperity, creates and protects quality jobs, and improves security and defence capabilities. Against a backdrop of geopolitical instability, security threats, economic pressures and growing social challenges, MEPs argue that a predictable, robust, investment-oriented and citizen-centred budget is more essential than ever.

Focus on jobs, housing and democracy.

MEPs highlight cohesion policy as a key investment tool for boosting competitiveness and want the 2027 budget to support critical infrastructure and transport. Addressing labour shortages, skills gaps and demographic pressures must also remain a priority, alongside greater support for SMEs and start-ups. They call for more funding to tackle the housing crisis and stress the need for resilient healthcare systems. MEPs call for greater support for civil society organisations, independent media and investigative journalism, as well as stronger action against disinformation and gender-based violence. The guidelines emphasise that rule of law conditionality is a fundamental principle that must apply to all EU funds.

Investing together to tackle strategic challenges.

Parliament reaffirms the EU’s commitment to climate neutrality by 2050 and calls for greater investment in energy efficiency, the circular economy, biodiversity and digital innovation. MEPs also highlight the need for adequate support for farmers, the fisheries sector, civil protection and effective management of asylum, migration and borders, particularly for EU countries with external borders.

MEPs stress the urgency of strengthening Europe’s security and defence capabilities through joint investment in research, dual-use technologies and military mobility, as well as support for Member States bordering Ukraine, Russia or Belarus. They also call for greater EU external action and increased funding for development, humanitarian aid and neighbourhood policy, whilst reminding EU governments of their agreement to grant Ukraine a loan of €90 billion.

MEPs warn that the rise in borrowing costs linked to the NextGenerationEU recovery instrument must not come at the expense of established EU programmes and stress the urgent need for new sources of revenue.

The text was adopted with 389 votes in favour, 191 against and 75 abstentions.

Further details can be found inthis press release.

Quote

“The 2027 budget guidelines demonstrate that the European Parliament can unite around the priorities of citizens. We have focused on resilience, social cohesion, competitiveness and the protection of key EU programmes. A key priority is strengthening our eastern border regions, which face growing economic and security pressures. Solidarity must be territorial, ensuring that these communities receive the support they need,” saidNils Ušakovs, general rapporteur for the 2027 budget.

Next steps

The Commission is expected to present its draft budget for next year in June. Parliament’s negotiators will use the guidelines as a basis for their discussions with the Council and the Commission. The budget must be approved by both the Council and Parliament before the end of this year.

Background

The annual budget sets out all the EU’s expenditure and revenue for a given year, within the limits set by the EU’s multiannual budget. The guidelines set out the points that Parliament expects the Commission to take into account when drawing up its budget proposal.

More information: European Parliament.