MEPs Seek Bigger Global Europe Budget

Members of the European Parliament’s Foreign Affairs and Development committees have backed a larger budget for the EU’s Global Europe funding instrument, calling for additional resources to address humanitarian crises, support candidate countries and advance the bloc’s foreign policy priorities.

The committees approved their position on the 2028–2034 instrument on Oct. 19 by 63 votes to 27, with five abstentions. MEPs rejected proposed Council reductions and supported adding €25 billion to the European Commission’s original €200 billion proposal, based on current prices. They also called for at least €25 billion to be reserved for humanitarian assistance, alongside dedicated funding for Gaza’s reconstruction and EU candidate countries.

Under the proposed framework, funding could be suspended when partner countries experience serious setbacks in democracy, human rights or the rule of law. Payments could also be halted over major failures to readmit nationals, while entities deemed contrary to the EU’s strategic interests could be excluded from support.

MEPs said Global Europe should help Ukraine address the effects of Russia’s war, assist candidate and potential candidate countries with reforms, and support initiatives under the EU’s Global Gateway strategy. They also sought stronger parliamentary oversight of the instrument’s implementation.

The committees endorsed a mandate for negotiations with the Council by 61 votes to 34, with two abstentions. Parliament is expected to consider the position and mandate at a plenary session scheduled for November 2026, although negotiations cannot begin until EU member states agree on their full position, including overall long-term budget levels.