European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has unveiled a bold €2 trillion (about $2.3 trillion) EU budget proposal that includes new taxes on large corporations, tobacco, and electronic waste—setting the stage for intense political battles over the bloc’s financial and strategic priorities.
The plan aims to reshape Europe’s financial future, increasing defence spending fivefold, tripling border and migration funding, and doubling research investments—35% of which would go to climate and biodiversity efforts.
“It is a €2 trillion budget for a new era ... that confronts Europe’s challenges, that strengthens our independence,” she told reporters at a news conference.
A €100 billion (around $116 billion) fund is also earmarked for Ukraine, labelled by the EU's Budget Commissioner Piotr Serafin, as the EU's “most strategic partner.” But backlash followed swiftly.
Environmental groups and Green MEPs criticized the elimination of the only dedicated nature protection fund, calling it a dangerous move amid the biodiversity crisis.
Farmers and members of the European Parliament were similarly alarmed by a proposed merger of flagship policies such as agricultural and regional funds, warning of severe risks to farming stability.
However, EU officials argued that €300 billion (around $349 billion) in direct payments to farmers remain untouched.
Von der Leyen said the new taxes would ease pressure on national budgets, but countries such as Germany, the Netherlands, and Sweden criticized the plan as too costly.
Adding further tension, Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orbán condemned the proposed Ukraine funding, insisting EU support should focus on farmers.
From 2028, the EU must start repaying its €750 billion ($872 billion) pandemic recovery loans, costing up to €30 billion ($35 billion) annually—double the current research budget.
The proposal requires unanimous approval from all 27 member states and the European Parliament.
Iran says it is open to talks with countries seeking safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz - disrupted by recent attacks - as Israel continues ...
Canada and the five Nordic countries have agreed to deepen cooperation in military procurement and other areas, in...
Top U.S. and Chinese economic officials launched a new round of talks in Paris on Sunday (15 ...
Ukraine wants money and technology in return for helping Middle Eastern nations that have sought its expertise as ...
French voters head to the polls on Sunday (15 March) to elect their mayors in a closely watched ballot seen as a t...
The European Commission will instruct governments to be flexible in enforcing EU rules on gas imports, diplomats told Reuters on Thursday (12 March), a move likely to benefit imports from Azerbaijan.
The United States has ordered non-emergency government personnel and their families to leave several Middle Eastern nations, including Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Iraq, and Jordan.
European Union stands with its member states in the face of any threat, EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said in response to the drone strike that hit Britain's Royal Air Force base of Akrotiri in southern Cyprus overnight.
Georgia faces rising diplomatic pressure as Western partners urge alignment against Russia. Tensions grew after the UK sanctioned TV channels Imedi and POSTV, prompting Georgia to summon the British Ambassador for clarification.
A long-running investigation has suggested that the street artist known as Banksy may be legally named David Jones. A report indicates that Jones was previously known as Robin Gunningham, a name long associated with Banksy, before legally changing his name several years ago.
A widening conflict involving Iran, the United States and Israel has triggered escalating military strikes across the Middle East, disrupted shipping through the strategic Strait of Hormuz and raised concerns over global energy supplies. This live report tracks the latest developments.
North Korea fired what appeared to be a ballistic missile on Saturday (14 March), Japanese and South Korean officials said. The development comes amid the joint annual U.S.-South Korea "Freedom Shield" military drills and South Korean Prime Minister Kim Min-seok's visit to Washington.
Iran says it is open to talks with countries seeking safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz - disrupted by recent attacks - as Israel continues to launch wide‑scale strikes on Iranian infrastructure in the west. This live report tracks the latest developments.
Ukrainian drones struck an oil refinery and a key port in Russia’s southern Krasnodar region overnight (13-14 March), local authorities said, causing injuries and damage. In separate action, Russian air attacks on Ukrainian territory killed and wounded civilians near Kyiv, officials reported.
Canada and the five Nordic countries have agreed to deepen cooperation in military procurement and other areas, in the latest push by Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney to build new global alliances.
Top U.S. and Chinese economic officials launched a new round of talks in Paris on Sunday (15 March) to resolve issues in their trade truce. The discussions aim to smooth the way for U.S. President Donald Trump’s visit to Beijing to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping at the end of March.
Ukraine wants money and technology in return for helping Middle Eastern nations that have sought its expertise as they defend against Iranian kamikaze drones, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said, after Kyiv sent specialists to the region.
French voters head to the polls on Sunday (15 March) to elect their mayors in a closely watched ballot seen as a test of the strength of the far-right and the resilience of mainstream parties ahead of next year's presidential vote.
Tens of millions of Vietnamese were voting on Sunday (15 March) to elect members of parliament from a list of candidates almost exclusively fielded by the Communist Party, ensuring the party's continued overwhelming dominance.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment