A majority of EU member states want to keep enough flexibility in the EU budget for 2026 for unforeseen events. The European Parliament is not in favor of this and wants to lock in as much budget as possible already. The member states and the parliament are negotiating on Friday to reach a final agreement.
The EU member states want a financial buffer in the 2026 budget for unexpected events. (Photo: Monika Skolimowska
BRUSSELS (ANP) – In light of an uncertain world, “we need buffers more than ever to respond to unforeseen challenges,” said the Dutch ambassador to the EU on Friday during a budget meeting with all member states.
EU ambassadors from countries including Germany, France, Spain, Italy, Belgium, Sweden, and Finland also emphasized the importance of financial leeway.
On behalf of the Dutch cabinet, the ambassador urged for a cautious budget. “Many of us are having difficult national discussions about cuts. We must not close our eyes to this issue in the Union and we need to make tough choices,” said the ambassador.
Countries including Germany, Sweden, Austria, and Belgium also believe that the EU must limit its spending. They, like the Netherlands, think that with new priorities, cuts must be made in other areas. “If member states can make difficult choices at the national level, why can’t that be done at the EU level?” the Dutch ambassador rhetorically asked. “Simply adding to programs without cutting elsewhere is not good budget policy.”
The Belgian ambassador explicitly pointed to the difficult budget situation in his country. “An EU budget that meets the needs with sufficient margins is essential. There is no room for frivolities anymore.”
Negotiations on the EU budget for 2026 are expected to last late into the evening or deep into the night.
(November 14, 2025)
