The negotiations on the European Union’s budget for the 2028–2034 period are not a technical discussion about figures and funding allocations.
They are a political test that exposes Europe’s contradictions and raises a fundamental question. Do we want a Union that acts collectively, or a Europe confined within the boundaries of national self-interest?
The European Commission has proposed a budget of almost €2 trillion, equivalent to approximately 1.26% of the EU’s GDP.
The Irish Presidency’s proposal reduced this figure to €1.62 trillion, without bridging the differences between member states.
Net contributor countries are calling for lower spending and contributions, while countries that rely more heavily on cohesion policy and agricultural policy are resisting the proposed cuts.
At the same time, competing priorities are coming into conflict. Should the focus be on agriculture and regional development, or on defence, research, technology and competitiveness?
The question of new EU own resources also remains unresolved, as many governments are unwilling to transfer tax-raising powers to Brussels.
In the defence sector in particular, excessive spending has already begun to affect social policy, as we were quick to warn.
Strengthening European security is essential. However, it cannot come at the expense of social protection, the erosion of cohesion policies or the shifting of costs onto citizens. Europe’s security is not merely military. It is social as well.
Once again, the principles of solidarity and responsibility, which are fundamental to the European project, are being challenged in practice.
At the same time, most member states appear to be retreating behind their national borders, seeking answers exclusively at the national level.
Yet our times do not allow any country to confront the major challenges alone.
This is where the deeper contradiction lies. We share a common currency, yet we remain unable to formulate and implement a coherent common economic policy.
Budgetary decisions require unanimity and often end up being reduced to bargaining over national net balances rather than genuine common planning.
As a result, Europe struggles to translate its commitments to security, growth and competitiveness into concrete instruments and actions.
This year’s negotiations represent yet another step in the weakening of the European project.
This is, therefore, a moment that calls for responsibility from the Union’s political leadership, particularly the leaders of its largest member states.
Their stance will determine whether the narrow logic of national costs prevails or whether Europe makes the forward-looking choice to invest collectively.
For Greece, the budget is directly linked to cohesion, agricultural production, infrastructure and the development potential of our regions and islands.
Our expectation is that policies aimed at reducing inequalities will be protected and that Greece’s fair participation in the new European priorities will be secured.
Greece needs a strong Europe. Yet the solidarity, shared responsibility and political will required to build one are not evident at this time.