EU 2028 – 2034 Budget Proposal: Business Implications

Why should I read this?

The European Commission’s (EC) proposed EUR 2 trillion budget for 2028–2034 is more than a financial framework – it is a strategic blueprint for the EU’s future. With major shifts in climate funding, digital innovation, defence investment and new environmental and corporate levies, the budget sets the tone for the next decade of EU policy.

What’s new: budget structure and priorities

Presented on 16 July 2025, the EC proposal for the 2028–2034 Multiannual Financial Framework (Proposal) reorganises funding into clearer categories:

Categories of spending	Approx. Budget limit (EUR)
Cohesion, agriculture, rural & maritime development	Over 1 trillion
Competitiveness, prosperity & security	590 billion
Global Europe & external affairs	215 billion
European public administration	118 billion
Ukraine support	Special reserve

The reorganisation aims to make EU funding more accessible to businesses by simplifying programme structures, reducing red tape, and aligning funding with priorities like sustainability, digitalisation, and competitiveness.

A new EU funding model: business impacts and opportunities

1. New revenue sources – businesses will help foot the bill
   
   The EC proposes five new own resources, partly shifting the financing burden away from national treasuries and onto businesses, particularly in sectors affected by environmental levies or market-based contributions.
   • Emissions Trading System: 30% of revenues allocated to the EU budget (€9.6bn/year)
   • Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism: 75% of certificate revenues (€1.4bn/year)
   • E-waste levy: €2/kg for uncollected electronic waste (€15bn/year)
   • Tobacco Excise Duty Own Resource: 15% of excise duty (€11.2bn/year)
   • Corporate resource for Europe: Levy on firms with EU turnover >€100m (€6-7bn/year)
2. Green Deal commitments remain central
   
   At least 35% of the overall budget will support climate objectives. Priority areas include:
   • renewable energy, hydrogen networks, smart grids
   • cross-border infrastructure under the Connecting Europe Facility
   • the Just Transition Mechanism to support regions phasing out fossil fuels
   Access to funds will increasingly depend on compliance with ESG frameworks like the EU Taxonomy and Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive.
3. Transport modernisation
   
   The Proposal boosts investment in rail, inland waterways, and clean urban mobility. Priorities include:
   • electrification of key rail and road corridors
   • alternative fuel infrastructure - notably for maritime and aviation sectors
   • integration of digital and transport systems, including smart traffic management and interoperable mobility services
4. Digital and strategic autonomy
   
   The EU aims to reduce reliance on foreign technology by investing in:
   
   • Horizon Europe and a new European Competitiveness Fund
   • AI, semiconductors, quantum computing, and cybersecurity
   • interoperable digital infrastructure and SME/startup support
   Funding will complement rules under the AI Act, Data Act, and Digital Markets Act, offering growth avenues but also compliance challenges.
5. Defence and dual-use innovation
   
   €131 billion is earmarked for defence, space and security, with funding for:     
   • European Defence Fund and Military Mobility initiative
   • Dual-use technologies (cybersecurity, space, secure communications)
   Defence and security actors, especially those focused on innovation, can expect significant new opportunities.

What’s next and what outcome can we expect in 2028?

The Proposal marks a significant pivot – steering funds from traditional areas like agriculture and cohesion – towards defence, innovation and digital transformation. However, the path to adoption will be complex. All 27 Member States must unanimously approve the plan, and many governments are expected to push back on both budget size and priorities. Final agreement is unlikely before late 2026.

Despite this uncertainty, the direction of travel is clear. Companies should start preparing by tracking negotiation developments, assessing exposure to proposed levies and aligning with EU priorities such as sustainability, strategic autonomy and digitalisation. Early positioning will be essential to secure funding, manage regulatory risks and stay ahead of emerging obligations.

Co-authored Joanna Kulewska (Knowledge)