EU agrees on 2026 annual budget: €14.1 billion for research and innovation

The European Union has approved the annual budget for 2026, thereby confirming the important role of research and innovation in ensuring Europe's future viability. €14.1 billion has been earmarked for research and innovation, €13.0 billion of which will go to Horizon Europe, ensuring stable funding levels. Despite the tight budgetary situation, the EU is maintaining its stable funding approach and continues to provide a reliable basis for planning for stakeholders in science, industry and civil society.

Key investment priorities for 2026 (commitments)

Research and innovation – €14.1 billion

• €13.0 billion for Horizon Europe, the EU's central research framework program
• Financing of the European Chips Act via Horizon Europe and reallocations
• Continuation of existing scientific and technological programs in areas such as digitalization, health, energy, industry, climate, and security

Funding will increase slightly compared to 2025, enabling the continuation of already established programs.

Agriculture & food security – €54.1 billion

• €53.3 billion for the Common Agricultural Policy
• €0.8 billion for the European Maritime, Fisheries, and Aquaculture Fund

Regional Development & Cohesion – €42.1 billion

Promoting economic, social, and territorial cohesion, as well as investing in infrastructure, green transition, and regional competitiveness.

Social Europe – €14.5 billion

Investments via the ESF+ in employment, skills, and social inclusion.

International partnerships – €15.6 billion

Including for:

• €10.2 billion – NDICI / Global Europe
• €2.2 billion – IPA III
• €0.5 billion – Growth Facility for the Western Balkans
• €2.0 billion – Humanitarian aid

Support for Ukraine – €11.1 billion

• €3.9 billion in grants
• €7.2 billion in loans

European strategic investments – €4.6 billion

For infrastructure, digitalization, and investments in strategic technologies, including:

• Connecting Europe Facility
• Digital Europe Program
• InvestEU

Space – €2.4 billion

Financing of the European Space Program.

Education, Culture & Values – €15.1 billion

• €4.3 billion for Erasmus+
• Promotion of culture, creative industries, the rule of law, and fundamental rights

Climate & Environment – €2.2 billion

• LIFE Program for climate and environmental policy
• Just Transition Fund to support structural change

Border protection – €2.7 billion

Including funding for integrated border management and Frontex.

Migration – €2.3 billion

Support for reception structures, asylum systems, and integration measures.

Defense – €2.0 billion

• European Defense Fund (EDF)
• European Defense Industry Program (EDIP)
• Military Mobility

Internal market – €1.0 billion

Promoting the functioning of the internal market and measures against fraud and for modern customs and tax systems.

Commitments and payments – briefly explained

• Commitments: Financial obligations entered into by the EU (e.g., for a project).
• Payments: Actual disbursements, which may be made over several years.

NextGenerationEU: Dealing with higher interest costs

In 2026, additional interest costs will be covered by redeployments and existing flexibility instruments – there is no need to resort to emergency mechanisms.

Reference to the next multiannual financial framework

The 2026 budget continues to be based on the MFF 2021–2027. Work on the next MFF from 2028 onwards is ongoing, with the Commission aiming for greater flexibility, strategic autonomy, and crisis resilience.

Further information can be found here.