Global Europe: MEPs push for expanded budget to match the EU’s global ambitions 

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MEPs from the Foreign Affairs and Development Committees adopted their position on the EU’s Global Europe Instrument, the EU’s funding mechanism for external action for the period 2028-2034.

The draft position was adopted on Monday evening, 19 October, with 63 votes in favour, 27 against and five abstentions. According to MEPs, Global Europe’s purpose is to uphold and promote the EU’s values, principles, and strategic and geopolitical interests, and in the long-term contribute to the eradication of poverty.

Budget

To do this effectively, they are pushing for an ambitious budget for the instrument, rejecting recent proposals by the Council for significant cuts and instead endorsing a €25 billion increase (in current prices) on the Commission’s original budget of €200 billion. Acknowledging an increasingly volatile geopolitical environment, MEPs are pushing for a dedicated minimum budget of €25 billion for humanitarian aid, and they want dedicated budget lines for a Gaza reconstruction fund and for candidate countries. MEPs are seeking to introduce dedicated funding targets, such as spending 20% of official development assistance on human development. Under the position adopted by MEPs, a dedicated share of funding would be allocated to investments under the EU’s Global Gateway strategy and in support of EU strategic autonomy and economic resilience.

Defending democracy, human rights, and strategic interests

Drawing on lessons from the current long-term budget, committee MEPs have agreed a mechanism by which the EU could suspend Global Europe funding where there has been a degradation in democracy, human rights and the rule of law in a partner country. The Commission will also be empowered to fully or partially suspend payments if serious shortcomings in a partner country related to the obligation to readmit its own nationals are identified. MEPs want to make sure entities not aligned with Europe’s strategic interests are excluded from funding under the instrument.

EU enlargement and Ukraine

Global Europe must, MEPs say, assist candidate and potential candidates to align with EU values, legislation and more, while at the same time are pushing for clearer incentives for candidates to deliver on reforms. The instrument would also provide support to Ukraine in response to the impact of Russia’s war of aggression, without drawing funds away from other priorities and partner countries.

Democratic oversight

Under the new instrument, the Commission will be obliged to provide MEPs with meaningful reporting of its implementation alongside regular dialogue between the relevant Commissioners and MEPs. MEPs also want to anchor the EU’s flagship Global Gateway strategy in Global Europe, including with greater involvement of the European Parliament in its functioning.

Quotes

Speaking after the committee vote, Committee on Foreign Affairs co-rapporteur Michael Gahler (DE, EPP) said: “Current and future challenges, crises, and wars — which by their very nature affect all EU member states alike — demand collective action and adequate resources, if we wish to effectively safeguard our interests. The European Parliament demands a say on the political direction and oversight of their implementation. Supporting Ukraine and promoting democracy around the world are crucial priorities for the EU. Following the withdrawal of the United States as a partner, many countries now have heightened expectations of us.”

Committee on Development co-rapporteur Robert Biedroń (S&D, PL) said: “Global Europe is the EU’s foreign and development policy superpower. Amidst worsening global crises, Europe must step up its engagement with the world. This is why we believe at least €25 billion must be dedicated to humanitarian aid, and that the EU should be actively involved in Gaza’s reconstruction. We also believe setting concrete spending targets on issues such as human development and gender equality fully align with our values and promote our interests. Only a well-funded instrument can address global problems and emerging challenges. If we fail now, we will have to deal with the much more expensive consequences later.”

Next steps

Following the adoption of the draft position, committee MEPs also endorsed a mandate for interinstitutional negotiations with the Council, by 61 votes to 34 and two abstentions. The committee position and the mandate for negotiations are expected to be approved at a forthcoming plenary session, currently scheduled for November 2026. MEPs can start interinstitutional negotiations once member states have adopted their full mandate, including the overall funding levels for the EU’s long-term budget.

Background

The legislation is part of the EU’s 2028–2034 long-term budget (MFF) package. Parliament wants the budget to remain a strong investment tool that supports citizens, regions and businesses, while delivering clear added value beyond national budgets. MEPs propose increasing the size of the draft budget to meet new challenges and they insist on the importance of new revenue sources to fund an ambitious and sustainable budget. Find out more information.