European Parliament Wants Significantly More Money for Defense but Opposes EU Approach

In a resolution on the EU budget after 2027, the European Parliament advocates for a more flexible and ambitious multiannual budget. According to MEPs, the increased international instability and geopolitical tensions, including the United States’ withdrawal from the world stage, call for higher spending.

The Parliament acknowledges that more money is needed for, among other things, Defense, the war in Ukraine, economic growth, and the climate. However, MEPs want these additional expenditures not to come at the expense of social and environmental policies or existing EU priorities. Observers doubt whether this will ultimately be sustainable.

At the same time, the Parliament expresses strong criticism of the financing structure proposed by the European Commission. The plan where each EU country drafts a separate national investment plan (as with the Corona recovery funds) is particularly objected to. According to MEPs, this model lacks the necessary transparency and parliamentary oversight.

The Parliament is also dissatisfied with the Commission-proposed Competitiveness Fund. 

Additionally, the lawmakers demand that access to EU funds remain linked to compliance with fundamental European values and the rule of law. A new system of conditions should ensure that citizens in member states are not punished for their governments’ policies.

There are also concerns about financing the Corona recovery fund. Repayment of these debts, according to the Parliament, must not come at the expense of other EU programs. Therefore, it calls for new sources of income for the EU and does not rule out joint borrowing for cross-border challenges.

EU countries will also take a position on the proposed multiannual financial framework. This will be followed by the so-called trilogue negotiations, in which EU countries, Brussels, and the European Parliament must reach a joint position.