European Council
Council of the European Union
Language selection

Long-term EU budget 2021-2027 and recovery package

A budget powering the recovery from COVID-19

Infographic - Multiannual financial framework 2021-2027 and Next Generation EU

An infographic outlining the main areas of EU expenditure for the period 2021-2027. See full infographic

Following the European Parliament's consent, on 17 December 2020 the Council adopted the regulation laying down the EU's multiannual financial framework (MFF) for 2021-2027.

The regulation provides for a long-term EU budget of €1 074.3 billion for the EU27 in 2018 prices, including the integration of the European Development Fund. Together with the Next Generation EU recovery instrument of €750 billion, it will allow the EU to provide an unprecedented €1.8 trillion of funding over the coming years to support recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic and the EU's long-term priorities across different policy areas.

Most of the sectoral EU funding programmes are expected to be adopted in early 2021 and will apply retroactively from the beginning of 2021.

For the implementation of the Next Generation EU recovery instrument, the EU's own resources decision will need to be approved in all member states in accordance with their constitutional requirements.

The next long-term budget will cover seven spending areas. It will provide the framework for the funding of almost 40 EU spending programmes in the next seven-year period.

The EU has put together a comprehensive financial package of €1.8 trillion  in 2018 prices for the coming years to tackle the socio-economic consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic and address the EU's long-term priorities. It combines:

  • €1 074.3 billion multiannual financial framework (MFF)
  • €750 billion extraordinary recovery instrument, Next Generation EU (NGEU)
€1.8 trillion

combined funds of the MFF and NGEU

The package will help transform the EU by supporting the European Green Deal and the digital transformation, and enhancing resilience. 

All amounts presented on this page are in 2018 prices.

Next Generation EU

The plan for European recovery needs massive public and private investment at European level to create jobs and repair the immediate damage caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, whilst supporting the EU's green and digital priorities.

To provide the EU with the means to address the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Commission will be authorised to borrow €750 billion on behalf of the Union on the capital markets.

€750 billion

Next Generation EU (NGEU) recovery instrument

The Next Generation EU recovery instrument will enable the transfer of these funds to EU programmes as follows:

  • Recovery and Resilience Facility: €672.5 billion (loans: €360 billion, grants: €312.5 billion)
  • ReactEU: €47.5 billion
  • Horizon Europe: €5 billion
  • InvestEU: €5.6 billion
  • Rural Development: €7.5 billion
  • Just Transition Fund (JTF): €10 billion
  • RescEU: €1.9 billion

The multiannual financial framework

The multiannual financial framework (MFF) covers the period of 2021-2027. Under the MFF, EU funding will be geared towards new and reinforced priorities across the EU's policy areas, including green and digital transitions. Cohesion policy and the common agricultural policy will continue to receive significant funding and undergo modernisation to ensure that they best contribute to Europe's economic recovery and the EU's green and digital objectives.

€1 074.3 billion

Multiannual financial framework 2021-2027

The MFF covers the following main spending areas:

  • single market, innovation and digital: €132.8 billion
  • cohesion, resilience and values: €377.8 billion
  • natural resources and the environment: €356.4 billion
  • migration and border management: €22.7 billion
  • security and defence: €13.2 billion
  • neighbourhood and the world: €98.4 billion
  • European public administration: €73.1 billion

Climate action

Expenses under the MFF and Next Generation EU are to be consistent with the:

  • EU’s objective of climate neutrality by 2050
  • EU’s 2030 climate targets
  • Paris Agreement

30% of the total expenditure from the MFF and Next Generation EU is to target climate-related projects. 

30%

of total EU expenditure to target climate-related projects

Flexibility

To allow the financing of specific unforeseen expenditure that could not be financed otherwise, a Single Margin Instrument (SMI) has been established. The SMI annual ceiling is set at €772 million per year (2018 prices).

Three thematic special instruments will provide additional financial means for specific unforeseen events:

  • Brexit Adjustment Reserve to support the member states and economic sectors hardest hit by Brexit (€5 billion)
  • European Globalisation Adjustment Fund to support workers who lose their jobs in restructuring events linked to globalisation (€186 million per year)
  • Solidarity and Emergency Aid Reserve (SEAR) to respond to emergency situations resulting from major disasters in member states and accession countries, and for rapid response to specific emergency needs within the EU or in third countries (€1.2 billion per year)

EU revenue: own resources

Own resources decision

The own resources decision, which defines how the EU budget is financed, was adopted by the Council on 14 December 2020. The decision needs to be approved by all 27 EU member states in accordance with their constitutional requirements to enter into force. It will apply retroactively from 1 January 2021. 

Ceilings

From 1 January 2021, the following own resources ceilings are fixed for the EU:

  • for payments: 1.40% of the GNI of all member states
  • for commitments: 1.46% of the GNI of all member states

These ceilings will be exceptionally and temporarily increased by a further 0.6 percentage points to cover all liabilities of the EU resulting from the borrowing foreseen to finance the NGEU recovery effort, until all the borrowed funds have been repaid.

Sources of revenue

A new non-recycled plastic packaging waste based own resource is established from 1 January 2021. This will provide member states with an incentive to reduce the consumption of single use plastics, foster recycling and boost the circular economy in line with the EU environmental policy objectives.

The new levy will be calculated on the basis of the weight of non-recycled plastic packaging waste in each member state, with a call rate of EUR 0.80 per kilogram. It includes a mechanism to avoid excessively regressive impact on national contributions.

In addition, the EU will work towards the introduction of other new own resources over the coming years.

These new sources of finance come on top of existing own resources:

  • traditional own resources: mainly customs duties and sugar levies (member states will retain, by way of collection costs, 25% of the amounts collected)
  • VAT-based own resource: a uniform rate of 0.3% is applied to the value added tax base of each member state, with the taxable VAT base being capped at 50% of GNI for each country (methodology will be simplified)
  • GNI-based own resource: resulting from a uniform rate applied to the gross national income of member states, this rate is adjusted every year in order to balance revenue and expenditure (unchanged)

Rebates

For the period 2021-2027, lump-sum corrections will reduce the annual Gross National Income-based contribution of Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands, Austria and Sweden.

New budget conditionality mechanism

A new regulation puts in place what is called "a general regime of conditionality" to protect the EU budget. It is to apply where it is established that breaches of the principles of the rule of law in a member state affect or seriously risk affecting the sound financial management of the EU budget or the protection of the financial interests of the EU in a sufficiently direct way.

Multimedia story: A blueprint for the future.

The EU budget: a blueprint for the future

The EU budget has always evolved with the needs of the Union, responding to changing political, social and economic contexts. Its history is a fascinating story of evolution and adaptation, of compromise and of a vision for a shared future. It is a story of transformation in Europe and of positive impact on the lives of millions of people. Discover the history and the stories which explain how the long-term EU budget works for Europe.

Sectoral programmes 2021-2027

The long-term budget provides the framework for the funding of almost 40 EU spending programmes over a seven-year period. Most of the sectoral EU funding programmes are expected to be adopted in early 2021 and will apply retroactively from the beginning of 2021.

Here are some examples of new and reinforced programmes under the MFF 2021-2027.

In order to support the digital transition, a new funding programme, Digital Europe, is established to promote the large-scale roll-out and uptake of key digital technologies such as artificial intelligence applications and state-of-the-art cybersecurity tools. The digital strand of the Connecting Europe Facility will also get a significant boost in funding.

A new EU4Health programme will provide a strong basis for EU action in the health field based on lessons learned during the COVID-19 pandemic.

In the field of research and innovation, the Horizon Europe programme will benefit from a significant increase once funding on the basis of the EU's recovery instrument will become available.

In the field of space, the EU is putting forward a fully integrated space programme, which brings together all EU activities. By improving efficiency, it will help roll out new space-driven services that will benefit EU citizens and businesses.

To support the most vulnerable carbon intensive regions in their transition towards a climate-neutral economy, a new Just Transition Fund is created. It will receive funding under both the next long-term budget and the EU recovery instrument.

Programmes for young people, such as Erasmus+ and the European Solidarity Corps, will also be strengthened, with the Erasmus+ programme expected to triple the number of participants in the course of the new MFF.

Support for migration and border management has also been considerably reinforced, including to fund up to 10 000 border guards at the disposal of the European Border and Coast Guard Agency by 2027. 

In the field of security and defence, a new European Defence Fund will be established to promote the competitiveness, efficiency and innovation capacity of the EU's defence, technological and industrial base.

Timeline
Filters

2020

Multiannual financial framework for 2021-2027 adopted

Following the European Parliament's consent on 16 December 2020, the Council adopted the regulation laying down the EU's multiannual financial framework (MFF) for 2021-2027.

The regulation provides for a long-term budget of €1 074.3 billion for the EU27 in 2018 prices, including the integration of the European Development Fund. Together with the Next Generation EU recovery instrument of €750 billion, it will allow the EU to provide an unprecedented €1.8 trillion of funding over the coming years to support recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic and the EU's long-term priorities across different policy areas.

Council moves to finalise adoption of MFF and recovery package

The Council adopted a set of decisions on legislative acts forming part of the package and laying down the EU's budgetary framework for the coming years. The decisions follow the European Council meeting on 10-11 December, as a result of which all member states could support the package.

The EU institutions can now finalise the procedures for the adoption of the multiannual financial framework for 2021-2027 and the recovery package. 

European Council invites Parliament and Council to take necessary steps for adoption of MFF package

The European Council agreed a number of elements to address the concerns expressed with regard to the draft regulation on a general regime of conditionality for the protection of the EU budget.

The European Council invited the European Parliament and the Council to immediately take the necessary steps for the adoption of the multiannual financial framework (MFF) package, including the multiannual financial framework regulation and the own resources decision.

EU leaders confirmed that member states would do their utmost to approve the own resources decision in accordance with their respective constitutional requirements with a view to its prompt entry into force.

MFF: Council presidency reaches political agreement with the European Parliament

The German presidency of the Council reached a political agreement with the European Parliament’s negotiators in talks aimed at securing the Parliament's consent to the next multiannual financial framework, the EU’s long-term budget.

The agreement complements the financial package of €1 824.3 billion negotiated by EU leaders in July, which combines the next multiannual financial framework – €1 074.3 billion – and a €750 billion temporary recovery instrument, Next Generation EU (in 2018 prices).

The package agreed with the Parliament includes:

  • a targeted reinforcement of EU programmes, including Horizon Europe, EU4Health and Erasmus+
  • more flexibility to allow the EU to respond to unforeseen needs
  • greater involvement of the budgetary authority in the oversight of revenue under Next Generation EU
  • higher ambition on biodiversity and strengthened monitoring of biodiversity, climate and gender-related spending
  • an indicative roadmap towards the introduction of new own resources

The deal will be submitted to member states for endorsement together with the other elements of the next multiannual financial framework and recovery package, including the general regime of conditionality for the protection of the EU budget.

Provisional agreement on the budget conditionality regime

The German presidency of the Council and the European Parliament's negotiators reached a provisional agreement on a new general regime of conditionality to protect the EU budget.

The conditionality regime allows to protect the EU budget where it is established that breaches of the principles of the rule of law in a member state affect or seriously risk affecting the sound financial management of the EU budget or the protection of the financial interests of the EU in a sufficiently direct way. All EU funds, including resources allocated through the Next Generation EU recovery instrument, are covered.

Council agrees mandate for negotiations with Parliament on the regulation for the protection of the EU budget

Member states' EU ambassadors agreed the Council's position on a regulation on a general regime of conditionality for the protection of the EU budget. The compromise builds on the political guidance provided by the European Council on 21 July 2020.

A proposal for a regulation on the protection of the Union's budget in case of generalised deficiencies as regards the rule of law in the member states was presented by the Commission on 2 May 2018 as part of the multiannual financial framework package of proposals for 2021-2027.

The agreement paves the way for the opening of negotiations with the European Parliament on the proposal.

EU leaders agree on the long-term budget for 2021-2027 and the recovery plan

Meeting in Brussels, EU leaders agreed on the long-term EU budget for 2021-2027, which will be worth €1074.3 billion. The budget will support investment in the digital and green transitions. They also agreed on the €750 billion recovery effort to help the EU tackle the crisis caused by the pandemic, of which €390 billion will be distributed in the form of grants to member states and €360 billion in loans.

European Council President Charles Michel

We have reached a deal on the recovery package and the European budget. These were, of course, difficult negotiations in very difficult times for all Europeans. A marathon which ended in success for all 27 member states, but especially for the people. This is a good deal. This is a strong deal. And most importantly, this is the right deal for Europe, right now.

European Council President Charles Michel

President Michel presents new negobox ahead of 17-18 July summit

European Council President Charles Michel presented his new proposal for the long-term EU budget and the recovery package, the so-called negobox. This proposal will serve as a basis for the leaders’ discussions at the Special European Council on 17-18 July 2020.

 

Charles Michel, President of the European Council

The goals of our recovery can be summarised in three words: first convergence, second resilience and transformation. Concretely, this means: repairing the damage caused by COVID-19, reforming our economies, remodelling our societies.

Charles Michel, President of the European Council

The proposal identified six building blocks for a possible agreement:

  • size of the EU budget 2021-2027
  • rebates
  • size of the recovery fund
  • loans and grants
  • allocation of Recovery and Resilience Facility
  • governance and conditionality

President Michel's proposal also tackled other topics: the start of repayments, new own resources and the impact of Brexit.

President Michel to prepare the ground for decision on long-term EU budget and recovery plan

EU leaders discussed via video conference the 2021-2027 EU budget and a recovery plan to respond to the COVID-19 crisis. European Council President Michel indicated his intention to hold an in-person summit around the middle of July, and to table a proposal ahead of the meeting.  

Charles Michel, President of the European Council

In the first three weeks after the publication of the proposals of the Commission, we had the opportunity to consult the member states to find clarity on the interpretation of those proposals. Now we shift to another phase: we will negotiate. I welcome the readiness to engage. We are aware that it is essential to take a decision as soon as possible.

Charles Michel, President of the European Council

European Council to discuss Commission’s proposal for MFF and recovery fund on 19 June

On 27 May 2020, the European Commission issued its proposal for a recovery fund and the EU's long term budget, the multiannual financial framework (MFF) for 2021-2027.

The President of the European Council issued a statement indicating he would consult with member states ahead of the next European Council scheduled for 19 June. In parallel, the Council would analyse and assess the proposal.

On 23 April 2020, the European Council decided to work towards establishing a recovery fund to respond to the COVID-19 crisis. It tasked the European Commission to urgently come up with a proposal, which would also clarify the link between the fund and the EU's long term budget.  

President Michel presents a joint roadmap for recovery

European Council President Charles Michel presented a joint roadmap for recovery, prepared together with European Commission President von der Leyen, ahead of the leaders' video conference on 23 April dedicated to the EU's response to the coronavirus pandemic.  

The report states that the future multiannual financial framework (MFF) will be a key instrument to support a lasting recovery and a fully functioning and modernised single market. It also states that the MFF will have to take into account the effects of the crisis on regions and affected sectors, including by revamping key programmes to maximise their contribution to repair and recovery. The report calls for the new MFF to be agreed as soon as possible to avoid delays in essential investment and ensure resources can be directed to where they are needed as quickly as possible.

European Council President Charles Michel, invitation letter to the members of the European Council

I propose that we task the Commission to analyse the exact needs and come up with a proposal that is commensurate with the challenge we are facing. The Commission proposal should clarify the link with the MFF, which will in any event be at the heart of the EU's contribution to recovery and will need to be adjusted to deal with the current crisis and its aftermath.

European Council President Charles Michel, invitation letter to the members of the European Council

Special meeting of the European Council

On 20 and 21 February EU leaders had intense negotiations on the EU’s long-term budget for 2021-2027. "We have worked very hard to try to reconcile the different concerns, the different interests, the different opinions on the table. But we need more time," said President Charles Michel after the summit. He will consult EU leaders on how to take things forward.

President in talks with leaders to agree the EU's next long-term budget

Charles Michel, President of the European Council had individual talks with all 27 leaders of the member states on the EU's next long-term budget. The talks are part of preparations for a special summit on the EU budget that the President called for 20 February.

On the basis of these consultations, President Michel presented a proposal on the overall size of the budget and how it is allocated. 

Charles Michel, President of the European Council, in an invitation letter sent to EU leaders ahead of the summit

"I am fully aware that these negotiations are among the most difficult ones we have to face. But I am also convinced that with common sense and determination we can strike a deal that will benefit all Europeans. To achieve this, all sides will need to demonstrate a spirit of compromise.

Charles Michel, President of the European Council, in an invitation letter sent to EU leaders ahead of the summit

2019

Negotiations on the EU's long-term budget to go forward

The European Council underlined that the multiannual financial framework (MFF) for 2021-2017 will significantly contribute to climate action. The discussion on the EU's long-term budget followed the presentation of the MFF negotiating box with figures by Finland’s presidency.

EU leaders called on the European Council President Charles Michel to take the negotiations forward with the aim of reaching a final agreement.

Council debates the EU's long-term budget

The EU's budget for 2021-2027

The Council held a policy debate on the multiannual financial framework (MFF) for 2021-2027.

Ministers discussed the negotiating box with figures presented by Finland's presidency ahead of the December European Council.

The presidency proposed an overall level of €1 087 billion, representing 1.07% of the gross national income (GNI) of the EU27.

The president of the European Council will now take the negotiations forward with the aim of reaching a final agreement.

Presidency publishes MFF negotiating box

Finland's presidency published a so-called negotiating box with figures ahead of the European Council meeting of 12-13 December. The document has been submitted to the member states. 

The negotiation box aims to clarify and simplify the options on the negotiating table in order to facilitate discussions among the EU leaders. 

They are expected to focus on the next multiannual financial framework (MFF) during next week's meeting.

EU leaders call for negotiation box with MFF figures

EU leaders exchanged views on the multiannual financial framework (MFF) - the EU's long-term budget. They focused on issues such as the overall level, the volumes of the main policy areas and the financing.

In light of this discussion, the European Council called on Finland's presidency to submit a negotiation box with MFF figures ahead of the next European Council meeting in December 2019.

Council assesses MFF progress

Following guidance from the EU leaders, Finland's presidency of the Council of the European Union plans to present a revised negotiating box with figures before the end of the year.

This document aims to clarify and simplify the options on the negotiating table in order to facilitate future discussions among the EU leaders. 

In parallel, work will continue on the various sectoral proposals to make further progress on Council mandates or conclude additional 'common understandings' with the European Parliament.

Council presidency committed to 'final stages' of MFF negotiations

Finland's presidency of the Council of the European Union informed ministers about its plans regarding work on the multiannual financial framework (MFF) for 2021-2027.

In its June 2019 conclusions, the European Council called on the presidency to develop the MFF's Negotiating Box. On that basis, EU leaders will hold an exchange of views in October, aiming for an agreement before the end of the year.

To prepare for the discussions among the leaders, the presidency will continue the work at technical level in July and September. 

Finland's presidency is fully committed to meeting the timetable set out by the EU leaders and to facilitating the final stages of the MFF negotiations. For us, the most important task is to produce a balanced basis for our leaders.

Tytti Tuppurainen, Finland's Minister for European affairs

EU ministers assessed state of play on own resources

Ministers took stock of the state of play in the discussions on the own resources legislative package - in the context of the multiannual financial framework (MFF) for 2021-2027.

The Council considered in particular the possibility of new sources of revenue beyond the original ones that the European Commission proposed in May 2018. These proposals included:

  • payment based on plastic waste
  • share of the emissions trading system receipts
  • share of the common consolidated corporate tax base

Technical work on the matter will continue in view of the European Council's MFF-related discussion at its October meeting.

EU leaders call for more work on the MFF negotiating box

The European Council welcomed the work done under the outgoing Romanian presidency on the multiannual financial framework (MFF) package for 2021-2027.

EU leaders called on Finland's upcoming presidency to further develop the negotiating box - which will serve to clarify the options on the negotiating table.

On this basis, the European Council will hold an exchange of views in October 2019, aiming for an agreement on the EU's long-term budget before the end of the year.

EU ministers discussed the MFF revised draft negotiating box

The Council held a policy debate on the multiannual financial framework (MFF) for 2021-2027, ahead of the June European Council. Ministers exchanged views on the revised draft negotiating box prepared by the Romanian presidency.

This document aims to clarify and simplify the options on the negotiating table in order to facilitate future discussions among the EU leaders. The governing principle of this endeavour is 'nothing is agreed until everything is agreed'.

Work on the draft negotiating box is expected to continue during upcoming the Finnish presidency - on the basis of the guidance to be provided by the EU leaders at their meeting on 20-21 June.

Council discusses external actions aspects

The Council discussed the external action aspects of the multiannual financial framework (MFF) for 2021-2027.

Ministers focused on the proposals from the European Commission related to the European Development Fund and the European Neighbourhood.

The debate will help the Council presidency prepare for the June European Council.

Council discusses agricultural and cohesion policies

In the context of the debate on the multiannual financial framework (MFF), EU ministers held an exchange of views on the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) and the cohesion policy. 

This discussion will help prepare the so-called draft negotiating box for the European Council in June. 

The draft negotiating box brings together those elements which are most likely to require political guidance from the EU leaders with a view to facilitating agreement in the Council.

Council debates MFF aspects

EU ministers held a policy debate on the climate and migration aspects of the multiannual financial framework (MFF) for 2021-2027. 

The shared objective with regards to the MFF is to provide the June European Council with a streamlined draft negotiating box. This would help achieve an agreement on the EU's long-term budget in autumn 2019.

The draft negotiating box brings together those elements which are most likely to require political guidance from the EU leaders.

MFF work programme and negotiating box

The Romanian presidency of the Council presented the state of play on discussions on the multiannual financial framework (MFF) for 2021-2027. It set out the provisional work programme up to April 2019. Ministers exchanged views on the organisation of the work ahead.

The shared objective is to provide the June European Council with a streamlined draft negotiating box, with a view to achieving an agreement in the European Council in autumn 2019.

The draft negotiating box is a tool for structuring and facilitating the negotiations on the MFF. As negotiations move forward, it is constantly discussed and updated. 

MFF discussions to resume

Ministers were informed about the organisation of discussions on the multiannual financial framework for 2021-2027 in the coming months.

The Romanian presidency informed the Council that it intends to continue discussions at technical and political level with the aim of making progress on both the structure and content of the next MFF. At the same time intensive work will continue on the various sectoral proposals. 

Europe's budget needs to reflect the sort of Europe we want in the future. We must ensure that the outcome of these negotiations is balanced and attuned to the daily needs and expectations of Europe's citizens.

George Ciamba, Romanian Minister Delegate for European Affairs

2018

EU leaders aim for MFF agreement in autumn 2019

Member states are shaping the EU’s budget for the years to come. It's not only about the money, it's also about EU's priorities

The European Council had a first substantial exchange of views on the 2021-2027 MFF on the basis of a progress report by the presidency of the Council.

EU leaders called on the incoming presidency to continue the intensive work carried out over the past year on the future MFF, the EU's long-term budget.

They aim to reach an agreement in the European Council in autumn 2019.

MFF timeline on the Council's agenda

The Council held a policy debate on the multiannual financial framework for 2021-2027. Ministers exchanged views on the main issues and the timetable for the negotiations.

The discussions took into account two documents prepared under the Austrian presidency: a progress report and a draft negotiating box. The negotiating box is a tool used for structuring and facilitating the negotiation process on the MFF.

Next MFF: state of play

The Austrian presidency briefed ministers on the state of play in the examination of the European Commission proposals concerning the 2021-2027 multiannual financial framework, the EU's long-term budget.

The Council took note of the written state of play report. 

Council discusses MFF priorities

The Council held a policy debate on the multiannual financial framework for 2021 to 2027.

Ministers set out their priorities for the negotiations, including their views on:

  • how the EU policy priorities and European added value are reflected in the MFF proposal
  • the proposed allocation of funds to different policy areas

European Council asks for timely analysis of MFF proposal

The European Council invited the European Parliament and the Council to examine the European Commission's proposals on the next multiannual financial framework. 

This review should be comprehensive and should take place as soon as possible, the European Council recommended.

Council discusses MFF proposal

The European Commission presented to the Council its proposals for the 2021-2027 multiannual financial framework and ministers had a first round of discussions on this topic.

The EU budget is a vital building block for the future of Europe, and an expression of our values and aspirations. The negotiations on the next MFF will help us guarantee a stable and secure Europe to the benefit of us all.

Ekaterina Zaharieva, deputy prime minister for judicial reform and minister of foreign affairs of Bulgaria

Launch of MFF negotiations

On 2 May, the European Commission presented its proposal for the 2021-2027 multiannual financial framework, the EU's long-term budget. This formally starts the MFF negotiations. 

Sectoral proposals covering 37 EU funding programmes were also revealed, by mid June, in addition to the Commission's MFF package. 

Priority areas for next MFF

The 27 EU heads of state or government agreed, during an informal meeting, that for the post-2020 MFF the European Union will spend more for the following priorities: 

  • stemming illegal migration 
  • defence and security 
  • the Erasmus+ programme