On 12 July 2017, the Council’s Permanent Representatives Committee agreed the Council’s position on the 2018 EU draft budget, ahead of the negotiations with the European Parliament starting in October 2017.
The Council’s position for 2018 amounts to €158.9 billion in commitments and €144.4 billion in payments, up by 0.6% and 7.4% respectively compared to the 2017 EU budget. Payments increase significantly because the implementation of the 2014-2020 programmes is expected to reach cruising speed following the initial start-up period. The Council’s position strongly focuses on measures to stimulate jobs and growth, strengthen security and tackle migration. It also keeps sufficient margins under the EU’s multi-annual financial framework 2014-2020 in case unexpected needs arise.
Sustaining growth and job creation remains one of the Council’s most important priorities. In 2018, the Council wants to support smart and inclusive growth with €76.5 billion in commitments and €66.4 billion in payments, up by 2.1% and 17.5% respectively compared to 2017. Amongst other actions, this includes an increased budget for the EU Research Framework Programme Horizon 2020 with €10.6 billion in commitments and €10.8 billion in payments, which is an increase by 2.6% and 5.8% respectively compared to the 2017 EU budget.
The Council is expected to formally adopt its position early September 2017. It will serve as a mandate to the Estonian presidency to negotiate the 2018 EU budget with the European Parliament.
For more information:
Council of the EU – press release
