EU Budget 2020: putting the money where Europe's priorities are

“The climate, digitalisation, youth - the EPP Group made sure the 2020 budget is putting the money where Europe’s priorities are. 2020 is the greenest budget to date and will increase funding for green technologies, environmentally-friendly innovations and programmes that strengthen the Union’s fight against climate change", said Monika Hohlmeier MEP, the European Parliament’s negotiator for the 2020 EU Budget.

"The increase of 8.8% for the EU's Horizon 2020 research programme demonstrates our commitment to accelerating investments to make Europe a leader in providing climate solutions. With a total budget of €168.7 billion, the EPP Group made sure the climate, competitiveness and the creation of new jobs come together for the benefit of all EU citizens”, Hohlmeier continued.

“But we are not forgetting about young people and their future: €2.9 billion for the flagship education and exchange programme Erasmus+ and additional funding for DiscoverEU, the highly successful initiative of free Interrail tickets for 18 year-olds, ensure that Europe delivers for them”, concluded Hohlmeier.

The EU's 2020 budget provides for a total of €168.7 billion in commitments. This is an increase of 1.5% compared to the 2019 budget. Total payments amount to €153.6 billion, rising 3.4% from 2019.