The European Parliament's Committee on Budgets examined the Commission's 2027 draft budget on 10 June 2026, with MEPs divided over its size, debt service costs, and protection of flagship programmes. Commissioner for Budget Piotr Serafin presented a nearly EUR 200 billion commitment and EUR 212 billion payment package, framed as a stability budget focused on legal obligations in the final year of the current Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF).
Nils Ušakovs (S&D) argued that a 3.5% commitment increase was too weak, while Moritz Körner (Renew) noted only EUR 477 million in margins, signalling a tight budget. Ušakovs highlighted that debt service costs under the Ukraine Reserve Instrument (URI) reached EUR 9.9 billion, crowding out programme spending. Serafin linked higher costs to inflation and geopolitical risks, and defended the use of budgetary availabilities for EUR 1.15 billion in Ukraine debt service, citing MFF rules that require exhausting availabilities before using the Ukraine loan instrument.
I. Benjumea Benjumea (EPP) and Körner defended flagship programmes like Erasmus+, which Serafin noted received a EUR 165 million increase. Beata Szydło (ECR) and Tamás Deutsch (PfE) pushed for more border and defence spending, while Serafin pointed to higher allocations under Headings 4 and 5. Janusz Lewandowski (EPP) warned of severe pressure under Heading 7 (administration), with Serafin citing 2% inflation assumptions and stable staffing.
Rasmus Andresen (Greens/EFA) questioned missing biodiversity targets; Serafin acknowledged the 7.5% target would not be met. Tomasz Buczek (PfE) criticized opacity in amending budgets, while Ušakovs sought early information. Consensus existed on the budget's constraints, support for Ukraine, security priorities, and the need for a strong EP position before Council negotiations. Next steps: Council position, first trilogue on 16 July, amending letter in October, conciliation from 27 October.