EU unveils ambitious €2 trillion budget 

BRUSSELS – The European Commission has unveiled its framework for the EU’s next long-term budget, presenting a package totalling nearly €2 trillion for the 2028–2034 period. This second wave comes with seven sector-specific programs designed to strengthen Europe’s economic, judicial, and technological resilience while equipping the bloc to act decisively in an increasingly turbulent world.

What’s inside?

At the center is the Single Market and Customs Program, which merges  five initiatives into one strategy to cut red tape and streamline cross-border trade. The Justice Program, with its funding more than doubled, seeks to create a digital, inclusive, and resilient European area while enhancing cross-border cooperation and tackling corruption.

Energy and research remain priorities. The Euratom Research and Training Program will pour €6.7 billion into nuclear safety and fusion research, complemented by a separate instrument focused on nuclear safety and decommissioning.

Consensus is not guaranteed

At a recent press conference, Commissioner for Democracy, Justice, the Rule of Law and Consumer Protection Michael McGrath framed the second budget package as a decisive investment in Europe’s competitiveness, security, and strategic autonomy. 

He underscored the dual focus on modernizing core EU systems while safeguarding critical infrastructure, presenting the package as a long-term blueprint for the bloc’s priorities.

“We complete a budget proposal that reflects Europe’s priorities reaching well into the next decade,” McGrath said,  “to invest in competitiveness, resilience and security, and to support a more independent and prosperous Europe in the years to come.”

While the emphasis on competitiveness and security will likely find support, questions remain over how funds are distributed across sectors. So far, the MFF’s second package appears to have quietly slipped under the radar, serving as a complement to the broader QFP 2028–2034 framework.

What remains certain is that the EU’s handling of the budget will be closely monitored, particularly for its implications on Europe’s standing with the U.S. and China.