Budget
Find out how the EU budget supports political priorities and investments in large-scale projects.
The EU budget finances all of the EU's actions in areas such as climate change, economic growth, security and sustainable development. By doing so, it helps member states achieve more together than they could individually.
The budget is planned annually but operates within a long-term budgetary plan.
The EU's long-term budget
The EU's long-term budget or multiannual financial framework (MFF) is a seven-year budgetary plan that provides financing for programmes and actions aligned with the EU’s strategic priorities.
The EU's annual budget
The annual budget outlines all of the EU's expenditures and revenues for one year, ensuring they fit within the spending limits set by the long-term budget.
It funds policies and programmes in line with the EU's political priorities and legal obligations.
Latest explainers
Last review: 11 November 2026