European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Wednesday unveiled the European Union’s proposed long-term budget for 2028–2034, saying the €2 trillion plan would be revised if any candidate countries join the bloc during that period.
Speaking to reporters after the Commission adopted the proposal, von der Leyen said the budget earmarks €200 billion for “Global Europe,” an instrument to finance the EU’s external action, including support for enlargement.
“Enlargement is a key priority. It is not only a political objective, it is a strategic investment into Europe’s stability and prosperity,” von der Leyen said. “That is why we are opening the full toolbox of Global Europe to candidate countries — not only technical assistance, but support for reforms and investments backed by resources.”
In addition to enlargement funds, the EU will allocate €100 billion to Ukraine under the Ukraine Facility, aimed at supporting the country’s recovery, resilience, and path to EU membership.
Von der Leyen confirmed that the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) includes a revision clause to accommodate future accessions.
“As with all past enlargements, there is a specific revision clause in the MFF. If a candidate country joins, the MFF will be revised,” she said, noting that this includes negotiations over the phasing-in of cohesion and agricultural payments, as well as the country’s financial contribution to the EU.
“The promise and the obligation in the financial regulation is clear: with accession, there will be a revision of the MFF,” von der Leyen added.
The proposed MFF will now go to the European Council and the European Parliament for approval.