EU Budget 2026: Parliament seeks extra funds for Horizon Europe and Erasmus+

The European Parliament wants to increase allocations for Horizon Europe by €60 million and Erasmus+ by €5m in the EU's 2026 budget compared to the draft of the European Commission, according to a vote on its position on 22/10/2025.

Parliament is requesting a total budget of €193.9bn for 2026 (+€597.8m compared to the Commission proposal).

The proposed allocation of €13.03bn for Horizon Europe represents 6.72% of the total budget, while the €4.28bn for Erasmus accounts for 2.21%.

The Parliament's position differs significantly from that of the Council, which called for a reduction of €211.25m in commitments to Horizon Europe on 09/07/2025 compared to the Commission's position. For Erasmus+, ministers proposed a reduction of €257.73 M.

"Parliament wants a 2026 budget that supports competitiveness, research, SMEs and farmers, while enhancing civil protection and security. It rejects Council’s unjustified cuts and demands targeted increases to deliver prosperity and solidarity across the EU,” Andrzej Halicki, general rapporteur for the EU’s 2026 budget representing EPP, said.

The plenary…