Many things that individual countries cannot do on their own, the European Union can achieve working together. That’s why there is a long-term EU budget – the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF). It spans over seven years and creates a framework for investments in crucial areas.
Soon, the negotiations between Parliament and national governments on the next budget from 2028 onwards should start. Parliament has now decided on its negotiation mandate.
Other topics included an EU-wide definition of rape centered on the absence of consent, cyberbullying, justice for Ukraine, and protection for cats and dogs. Keep reading to find out more.
The budget must be sufficient – and more transparent
The EU long-term budget needs to fulfil a number of requirements. It must be big enough to cover its two traditionally largest responsibilities: agriculture (which provides us with safe and healthy food) and regional development (which allows all parts of the EU to flourish).
Equally essential areas must also be supported: boosting the economy and protecting competitiveness, security and defence, and external relations, research, to name a few. Some challenges are new, especially those connected to the unstable global situation.
At the same time, the budget needs to be transparent and deliver measurable results. Europeans must feel safe in the knowledge that every euro is accounted for and that there is no waste – and Parliament needs to be able to check this.
Last July, the European Commission presented its proposal for the 2028-2034 budget, and after a thorough review, Parliament made its suggestions for improvements this week. Parliament demands a number of significant modifications in order to approve the budget proposal.
First of all, the size. The Commission’s proposal contains a nominal increase compared to 2021-27, but it includes the repayments for the Next Generation EU recovery package from the COVID-19 crisis, which means that, in reality, there is no increase. Parliament says that doesn’t work – the EU must have the means to meet new challenges.
So Parliament wants to see new ways to fund the EU budget.
Secondly, the structure. In the Commission’s proposal a large part of the budget will be allocated through so-called “national partnership plans”, which national governments will use to administer the funds. This carries a risk that there will be less European coordination, and less democratic oversight at European level.
Parliament argues that these risks should be addressed through a clear institutional framework in which MEPs oversee those plans.
“We have adopted a strong position on the next budget, balancing new and traditional priorities with a moderate 10% increase. We call on the European Council to step up, take our proposals forward, and agree on a strong, timely budget,” said Siegfried Mureşan (EPP, Romania), who is one of the two lead MEPs on the long-term budget.
“Common agricultural policy, cohesion funds, Horizon Europe, Erasmus+ – these are not relics of the past, but the backbone of European solidarity and the shapers of our future. Ambition without resources is empty,” said Carla Tavares (S&D, Portugal), the other lead MEP on the long-term budget.
Next up, EU countries in the Council will discuss the Commission’s proposal and Parliament’s reply.
Middle East crisis: MEPs want to see strong and concrete measures
In a debate on the EU’s strategy for the Middle East crisis, MEPs underlined that the conflict in the region is not only a foreign policy and security issue but also a direct challenge for European citizens’ cost of living and energy security. Across political groups, members called for a coherent EU‑wide response that combines strong diplomatic and humanitarian efforts with concrete measures to protect households, farmers, and transport companies from surging energy and fertiliser prices caused by the war‑related disruptions in the Gulf and the Eastern Mediterranean. Many stressed the need for de‑escalation, full respect of international law, and robust humanitarian access to Gaza and Lebanon, while warning that any military escalation risks further destabilising the region and derailing the prospects for a just and lasting solution.
Parliament signalled that Europe must act as a unified security and economic actor, balancing solidarity with partners, protection of citizens, and strict adherence to international and humanitarian law in its response to the Middle East crisis.
Only yes should mean yes
MEPs called again for a definition of rape based on the absence of consent in the EU. It’s an issue that Parliament has already pushed for in the past. This means that silence, lack of resistance, the absence of a “no”, previous consent, past sexual conduct, or any current or previous relationship must not be interpreted as consent for sexual relations – there needs to be a clear yes. They also demand adequate support and protection for victims and survivors across the EU.
MEPs want the Commission to present EU guidelines in 2026 on sexuality and relationship education, as well as for EU-wide awareness campaigns on consent, relationships, sexual integrity and bodily autonomy, and for action against rape myths, anti-gender content, and incel propaganda online.
Lead MEPs Evin Incir (S&D, Sweden) and Joanna Scheuring-Wielgus (S&D, Poland) underlined that more and more governments are recognising the need for this approach – since 2023, France, Finland, Luxembourg and the Netherlands have introduced consent-based laws.
Stop cyberbullying and online harassment
The European Parliament also demands stricter action against cyberbullying. It seeks a common EU definition of cyberbullying, and stresses the need for social media platforms to protect minors, women, and LGBTIQ+ people. MEPs call for tough penalties, easy reporting, and treating cyberbullying as a cross-border crime. They push for victim support, awareness drives, and links to mental health plans. Parliament also urges better enforcement of Digital Services Act rules against deepfakes and harmful algorithms.
Accountability and justice for Ukraine
The Russian war of aggression is taking a severe toll on Ukrainian civilians. Parliament is calling for justice, accountability, and compensation for civilians harmed by the war, stressing that perpetrators at every level must face consequences, and that lasting peace depends on truth and accountability.
Parliament backs international investigations into Russian crimes, including full support for the International Criminal Court and the International Centre for the Prosecution of the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine, alongside claims mechanisms for victims. Members also want to see an EU accession to the Council of Europe Convention establishing an International Claims Commission for Ukraine to help claim reparations after the war.
First EU rules to protect cats and dogs from abuse
Pets are many people’s closest friends, and sentient beings that deserve protection. During the session, Parliament approved new EU rules to protect dogs and cats, banning abusive and cruel practices. The new regulation introduces an obligation for all dogs and cats kept in the EU, including those in private ownership, to be identifiable with microchips and registered in databases. Sellers, breeders and shelters will have four years from the entry into force of the legislation to prepare for this. For pet owners who do not sell animals, the obligation will kick in after 10 years for dogs, and after 15 for cats.
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Thank you for reading all this way! The Hemicycle is back already in three weeks. During the May plenary, the European Order of Merit will be awarded to its laureates. Meanwhile, if you want to learn more about the EU long-term budget, here are some useful links:
- At a Glance: 2028-2034 EU budget: Parliament’s position
- At a Glance: 2028-2034 EU budget: Comparing Parliament’s position with the Commission proposal
- EP research: Next long-term EU budget: 2028-2034 multiannual financial framework
- Press kit: All you need to know about the EU’s long-term budget
- Parliament’s dedicated website on the long-term budget
EuroNews – May 2, 2026
