By Thea Pieridou, Press Officer of the European Parliament Office in Cyprus

On November 27, during the plenary session of the European Parliament, Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) approved the agreement on the EU budget for 2025, reaffirming their commitment to solidarity and development across Member States.

The European Parliament secured additional funding for key EU programs. MEPs successfully negotiated an extra €230.7 million on top of the European Commission's initial proposal for the 2025 annual budget. This funding is allocated to landmark initiatives in research, health, support for young farmers, crisis management for natural disasters, climate action, humanitarian aid, military mobility, and border management. Beyond this additional funding, significant increases from prior savings will benefit the 2025 budget, including €422 million for Erasmus+ and €20 million for Horizon Europe. 

The 2025 budget was approved with 418 votes in favor, 185 against, and 67 abstentions. Following the vote, European Parliament President Roberta Metsola signed the budget, making it legally binding. Under its fiscal authority, the European Parliament has the final say on the EU budget.

It is worth noting that over 90% of the EU budget funds activities in Member States, benefiting citizens, regions, farmers, researchers, students, NGOs, and businesses. The EU budget primarily focuses on investments aimed at fostering growth and opportunities across the Union, ensuring solidarity and prosperity for Member States.

Johan Van Overtveldt (Conservatives, Belgium), Chair of the Committee on Budgets, stated:

"The 2025 budget is designed to address urgent challenges, including Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, ongoing migratory pressures, the escalating crisis in the Middle East, the impacts of natural disasters, and, above all, the competitiveness of our economies. This will ensure the EU can effectively respond to these pressing realities."