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European Commission

Investing in people, Member States and regions

Key figures

€865 billion
for national and regional partnership plans
€300 billion
to support the income of farmers and fishers
€150 billion
to invest in defence, energy, or strategic technologies

Tailor-made investment plans

The new long-term budget will bring together key EU funds implemented by Member States and regions under one coherent strategy, focused on cohesion and agricultural policy. This strategy will be implemented through national and regional partnership plans, simpler, more flexible and tailored, to maximise the impact of every euro invested.

The plans aim to

  • reduce regional disparities
  • fight poverty
  • support farming and fisheries
  • help manage border challenges.

They are tailor-made because the regions have different needs, and they know best how to implement EU priorities locally. 

The plans will be designed and implemented in close partnership between the Commission, the Member States, regions, local communities and all other relevant stakeholders. Each Member State will be able to access the same amount of funds as before. 

New EU loans for strategic goals

For the first time, the EU will offer up to €150 billion in loans, backed by the EU, to help countries invest in areas such as the defence industry, energy infrastructure or strategic technologies. Known as "Catalyst Europe", these loans provide Member States with additional resources to support European objectives. 

Justice and rule of law

Through the Justice programme, the EU will dedicate almost €800 million towards upholding the rule of law, protecting citizens’ fundamental rights, and strengthening democracy. 

This funding will be used to

  • promote judicial cooperation in civil and criminal matters
  • support training for judges and legal professionals
  • ensure equal access to justice for all citizens and businesses

The national and regional partnership plans will make the rule of law and fundamental rights a condition for investment and a focus for reform. There will be strong safeguards and clear conditions to make sure the money is used responsibly and effectively. 

Where will the funds go?

  • Regions

    around €450 billion will be available for economic, social and territorial cohesion, with at least €218 billion for less developed regions

  • Agriculture and fisheries

    €300 billion to support farmers' income with a doubled reserve; at least €2 billion for fisheries to safeguard livelihoods and sustainability

  • People

    14% of the budget for social policies with full tracking; Erasmus+ funding boosted by 50% to expand student exchanges

  • Migration and border management

    triple the investment in migration and border management

  • Crisis response

    triple the investment in the Solidarity Fund, so that we can act fast and decisively when natural disasters strike

What the EU budget delivers today