Today, the European Parliament’s committee on budgets voted on its position for the EU budget 2026 – and thanks to the Socialists and Democrats, the result is a stronger, fairer, and more people-centred budget for Europe.

The Commission’s proposal, presented in June, did not use all the means the EU budget has at its disposal to work for the people and to help address global challenges. Furthermore, the Council proposed a number of arbitrary cuts to several programmes with intrinsic European value – cuts which cannot stand. Therefore, the S&D Group worked successfully to mobilise key improvements in crucial programmes and projects such as Horizon, Digital Europe, the Connecting Europe Facility, the European Social Fund+, and LIFE.

In line with their core priorities, the Socialists and Democrats also fought for additional funds for workers’ organisations and for the Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values programme. The S&D Group also secured important financial increases in humanitarian aid, including for refugees in the Middle East, in the European Parliament’s budgetary position.

Nils Ušakovs, S&D negotiator on the matter in the European Parliament’s committee on budgets, said:

“Europeans face major challenges– making a reliable, robust, flexible, and people-centred EU budget more crucial than ever. The Commission’s proposal for 2026 was deemed as lacking both ambition and focus by the Parliament, but thanks to the S&D Group, today’s vote in the budgets committee has improved it to better address people’s needs.

“Our responsibility is to ensure that EU funds are directed where they have the greatest impact – proving that the EU delivers tangible benefits for people, values, and the economy alike. With today’s result, we have made the Commission’s proposal more ambitious and social, reflecting our priorities for education, healthcare, social protection, fairness, and the green and digital transitions.

“As the S&D Group, we remain committed to supporting those facing financial hardship due to inflation, those struggling with unaffordable housing, young people seeking opportunities to study, and researchers working towards a better future.

“The 2026 budget must strike a fair and just balance across the Union, ensuring equality and solidarity. Only in this way can we build a resilient, social, and future-ready Europe.”