About 93% of the EU budget funds real activities on the ground in EU countries and beyond. It goes to citizens, regions, cities, farmers, researchers, students, NGOs and businesses.

The EU budget is unique. It is primarily an investment budget and, unlike national budgets, the EU Budget cannot run a deficit.

Budgets Committee MEPs demanded an EU budget for 2020 capable of tackling the climate and many other challenges that the EU continues to face.

Parliament as a whole will vote on a proposed budget amounting to €170,971,519,973 in commitment appropriations, representing an increase of €2,699,813,994 compared to the Commission’s draft budget. It sets the overall level of appropriations for the 2020 budget (all Sections) at €159 146 168 195 in payment appropriations.

Plenary session - Presentation by the Council of its position on the draft general budget - 2020 financial year