Costa requests a "sufficiently ambitious" budget from the EU and an agreement by the end of the year

António Costa emphasized the need for a robust long-term EU budget and new own resources, aiming for an agreement by year-end. He highlighted the political choice involved in budget negotiations, which are entering a crucial phase for the 2028-2034 financial framework. Costa noted the importance of balancing traditional priorities with new areas like competitiveness and defense. The proposed budget ranges from 1.83 to 2 trillion euros, with ongoing discussions among member states. He stressed that the EU must be proactive in shaping its future, especially considering upcoming elections in several member states.