EU Auditors host online briefing: How can we improve the EU budget for 2028–2034?

The European Court of Auditors (ECA) invites you to a virtual press briefing on its latest review, which identifies opportunities to improve the EU budget for 2028–2034, currently under negotiation by EU policymakers. The briefing will take place in English on Wednesday, 4 November 2026, at 11:00. An embargo applies.

The briefing will provide an opportunity to gain a detailed understanding of the review. You will also be able to discuss the implications of the Court’s findings for the next long-term EU budget with Jan Gregor, Member of the European Court of Auditors, and representatives of the audit team.

Registration: Please let us know by Tuesday, 3 November 2026, at 12:00 whether you would like to attend the online briefing. You will then receive detailed instructions on how to join.

To facilitate an informed discussion, registered participants may receive the review and press release in advance of the briefing upon request. Both documents will be subject to an embargo. They will be published on the European Court of Auditors’ website on 4 November 2026 at 17:00.

Background

The package of proposals presented by the EU Commission for the new Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) introduces significant changes to the EU’s budgetary architecture. These include the establishment of a €865 billion European Fund that brings together major areas of EU expenditure, such as natural resources and cohesion, under a single framework. At its core are national and regional partnership plans, one for each Member State. In addition, the Commission has proposed financing not linked to costs for most budget lines and programmes, an approach previously used only under the EU’s COVID-19 recovery fund.

The auditors examined the extent to which the Commission’s proposals address the opportunities identified in their 2025 review. Published before the Commission presented its proposals, that review identified 28 opportunities for improvement in key areas of the EU budget after 2027, including simplification, flexibility and budget financing.

In its new review, the Court identifies which opportunities have been seized or missed and assesses how likely the proposed budget is to deliver results, ensure accountability and protect the EU’s financial interests. It also highlights areas where improvements are needed before the European Parliament and the Council of the EU finalise the legislative package.