European Union Budget's Distribution of Gains and Losses
The European Commission has presented a sweeping new budget reform package for the period 2028-2035, aiming to address various challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. However, as of July 2025, there is no credible evidence or substantive reporting of data manipulation accusations targeting this budget process, nor is there a documented response from the European Commission addressing such claims.
The EU's 2028-2035 budget, amounting to €1.8 trillion, is set to prioritise several key areas. Notably, Ukraine is expected to receive €100 billion for recovery and integration into the EU. Funds for nature conservation have been incorporated into the general ecological budget, while investments in modernizing electricity grids will increase to €30 billion.
In an effort to tackle climate change, the collected funds from the tobacco tax will be used towards repaying the EU's public debt. This move is expected to lead to an increase in the prices of cigarettes, e-cigarettes, and heated tobacco by €1-2 per pack. The EU is also introducing a new tax on these products.
The budget battles are expected to be intense, as it must be approved by all EU member states and the European Parliament. Among the key points of contention is the reduction in the budget for the agricultural sector, which has been scaled down from €386.6 billion to €300 billion. Meanwhile, €131 billion will be allocated to defence and space, and €54.8 billion to digital technologies.
In the realm of research and education, the Horizon Europe research program will nearly double to €175 billion, while the Erasmus+ education program will increase to €40 billion. Agricultural programs are now merged with other policies under new partnership plans.
Despite the allegations of data manipulation levelled by MEPs towards the Commission, President Ursula von der Leyen described the budget as "the most ambitious". The budget also aims to address a €37 billion shortfall in supporting biodiversity.
It is worth noting that the EU budget process is typically subject to rigorous scrutiny by the European Parliament, the Court of Auditors, and member states. Any credible accusation of data manipulation would likely prompt a formal inquiry or response from EU institutions, but none are reported here.
In conclusion, the EU's 2028-2035 budget presents a significant policy initiative, aiming to address various challenges and opportunities, while prioritising key areas such as Ukraine's recovery and integration, climate change, research, education, defence, and digital technologies. Despite allegations of data manipulation, as of July 2025, there is no evidence to support these claims.
The EU's 2028-2035 budget, amounting to €1.8 trillion, is a subject of intense political debate and business interest, as it prioritizes finance for various sectors such as Ukraine's recovery, nature conservation, modernizing electricity grids, and research and education. However, as of July 2025, no substantive reporting or evidence of data manipulation accusations targeting this budget process has been documented, nor has the European Commission responded to such claims publicly in the realm of politics and general news.
