Guidelines for the 2027 Budget - Section III
The Committee on Budgets adopted the report by Nils UŠAKOVS (S&D, LV) on general guidelines for the preparation of the 2027 budget, section III - Commission.
Focus on delivery for people, the economy and the planet and on providing investments for competitiveness
Members believe that, in the current context of profound geopolitical and institutional instability, the 2027 budget should:
- meet the increasing number of needs, deliver prosperity through improved competitiveness, promote territorial, economic and social cohesion, create and protect quality jobs, and guarantee security and defence capabilities;
- finance measures aimed at ensuring a socially just transition, in particular by boosting the Union's long-term competitiveness, reducing strategic dependencies, closing innovation gaps, accelerating the deployment of clean energy and the implementation of the green and digital transitions, contributing to global climate action and combating biodiversity loss.
As the last budget of the current MFF, the 2027 budget should ensure continuity of action to address current and future challenges and place a strong emphasis on the effective and timely implementation of successful and high-impact projects, in order to produce tangible results for citizens and regions.
Strengthening Europe's social model, territorial cohesion and security, protecting fundamental values and fostering prosperity
Members called for sufficient funding for cohesion policy while ensuring sustainability and improving the quality of life for citizens in all regions. The 2027 budget must support increased investment in critical infrastructure, including transport networks, digital connectivity, and energy systems, with targeted support for less developed regions and island and remote areas.
The report also called for initiatives and investments to promote fair working conditions, as well as strategies to address structural workforce crises, particularly in the social and healthcare sectors. The Commission should prioritise mental health action in the 2027 budget.
The report emphasised:
- the crucial role of promoting and strengthening artistic and cultural cooperation at European level through adequate funding from the ‘Creative Europe’ programme, as well as the indispensable role of the ‘Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values’ programme in promoting European values and citizens' rights;
- the need to pay particular attention to families, especially those with children or dependent persons, who are experiencing financial difficulties;
- the importance of effectively using existing Union financing instruments in 2027 to increase the number of affordable, decent and sustainable housing;
- the need for an ambitious budget for the Erasmus+ programme and additional funding for the ‘European Solidarity Corps’ programme;
- increased support for the protection of citizens, minorities, religious communities and public spaces against terrorist threats, as well as countering the spike in hate speech, racism and anti-Semitism;
- the allocation of sufficient resources to support investigative journalism and the strengthening of initiatives in media literacy and fact-checking;
- the effective implementation of the Asylum and Migration Pact through sufficient funding to address emerging challenges and ensure efficient relocation, safe and dignified reception, and effective and sustainable inclusion and integration. Increased funding for border protection capabilities is a key component of a comprehensive migration policy.
Creating economic opportunities in the face of strategic challenges
Members called for the 2027 budget to guarantee sufficient funding for research, innovation and technological deployment, particularly in strategically important areas, to ensure that the Union remains autonomous in the face of global challenges.
The report stressed that the EU budget for 2027 must act as an engine for completing a genuine energy union by closing the EUR 660 billion annual investment gap in energy-related investments. It also reiterated the central and strategic importance of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) and the Common Fisheries Policy, highlighting the need to support young farmers, ensure a fair distribution of CAP direct payments, and help those employed in the fisheries sector cope with the effects of inflation, administrative burdens, fuel costs, changes in the global food market, and adverse weather events.
The 2027 budget should also include ambitious funding for the environment and climate action programme (LIFE programme) to accelerate the transition to a sustainable, climate-neutral and resilient economy.
Members stressed the urgent need to strengthen integration and capabilities in security and defence, including hybrid and conventional military capabilities, alongside robust civilian preparedness. They highlighted the crucial role of common investment, research and development, and digitalisation in defence production and procurement mechanisms. Sufficient financial support must be provided to Member States located on the EU's external borders, particularly those sharing a land border with Ukraine, Russia, and/or Belarus, and those dealing with shadow fleets.
Global Europe
The EU must strengthen its common foreign policy and its global influence. According to Members, the Union must secure adequate funding and resources in the 2027 budget to effectively manage problems in its neighbourhood and beyond. Furthermore, the Union's development, humanitarian aid, and human rights support programs must receive a substantial increase in funding.
Members reaffirmed their full support for Ukraine, both financially and in terms of humanitarian aid. They believe that pre-accession funds are essential for stabilising and enhancing convergence with the EU. Lastly, they stressed the need to strengthen the Neighbourhood Policy to support stability and reforms in neighbouring regions.