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OPINION (2024/0176(BUD))

On the draft general budget of the European Union for the financial year 2025

AFET-AD-763021

Committee on Foreign Affairs · Rapporteur: Hilde Vautmans

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The Committee on Foreign Affairs opinion on the 2025 EU budget calls for increased funding for defence, Ukraine, the Eastern Neighbourhood, UNRWA, and external action, while urging transparency and human rights compliance.

Key points

  1. Calls on Member States to double the budget for developing capabilities under the Common Security and Defence Policy, including cybersecurity.
  2. Welcomes the MFF revision increase in Heading 6 but urges transparency and human rights compliance for migration-related funding.
  3. Warns that Ukraine's reconstruction costs will exceed the EUR 50 billion Facility; calls for sustained funding, additional winter aid, and urges Hungary to lift its blockade of the European Peace Facility.
  4. Insists on funds to support the accession process of Ukraine and Moldova, and cooperation with Georgia.
  5. Calls for greater support for independent media countering Russian disinformation in Eastern Partnership countries, Russia, Western Balkans, and Africa.
  6. Concerned about the MFF revision's net increase of EUR 3.1 billion for Heading 6 and redeployments; notes the Commission's proposal of EUR 16 258 million with a margin of EUR 44.8 million.
  7. Regrets reductions in NDICI geographic envelopes except Southern Neighbourhood; calls for an increase of EUR 50 million for Neighbourhood East.
  8. Calls for a consistent Frontex budget for EU border management.
  9. Urges a review of EU financial assistance to countries that support Russia's war, do not respect international obligations, or help evade sanctions.
  10. Calls for doubling funding for peacebuilding, conflict prevention, mediation, and reconciliation.
  11. Calls for increased funding for UNRWA by EUR 60 million in 2025, with transparency and oversight.
  12. Stresses the need to fund gender equality, human rights, climate action, and the EEAS, including additional staff and resources.

Who is affected

  • Member States: asked to double defence capability budgets and lift the blockade on European Peace Facility funding for Ukraine.
  • Ukraine: receives continued support and additional funding for reconstruction, humanitarian aid, and energy security.
  • UNRWA: would receive an additional EUR 60 million in 2025 if conditions are met.
  • EEAS: needs more funding and staff, including for strategic communication and cybersecurity.
  • Countries receiving EU external assistance: subject to review if they support Russia or violate international law.

Figures and deadlines

  • EUR 95 billion in assistance to Ukraine as of July 2024, including EUR 32 billion military aid and EUR 21 billion to be allocated until 2025.
  • EUR 50 billion budget of the Ukraine Facility.
  • EUR 3.1 billion net increase in Heading 6, with EUR 4.5 billion from redeployments.
  • EUR 16 258 million proposed by the Commission for Heading 6, with a margin of EUR 44.8 million.
  • EUR 30 million increase for humanitarian aid by the Council.
  • EUR 150 million underfunding for Neighbourhood East; calls for an increase of EUR 50 million.
  • EUR 60 million increase for UNRWA in 2025.