Brussels, 16 November 2024 (dpa/MIA) - The EU's almost €200 billion ($211 billion) budget for 2025 was finalized at late night talks between the European Parliament and the 27 member states, the sides said on Saturday.

According to the Parliament, more than €230 million will be additionally available for priorities such as health research, humanitarian aid and border protection.

The agreement still has to be officially confirmed by the EU member states and the European Parliament, but this is considered a formality.

Last year, the sides agreed on €189.4 billion for the 2024 budget.

The new budget also provides more funds for the EU Civil Protection Mechanism than was originally proposed by the European Commission. This is in response to natural disasters, for example.

There are also plans to allow member states to use up to 10% of the billions in EU cohesion funds for the prevention of disasters and reconstruction in future.

In June, the European Commission tabled a draft budget totalling €199.7 billion for the coming year. According to the EU's executive arm, the main focus should continue to be on green and digital change as well as strengthening Europe's strategic autonomy.

The EU countries had wanted to budget €191.53 billion, while MEPs in Strasbourg proposed significantly more at almost €201 billion.

The plan for 2025 will be the fifth in the so-called Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) for the period 2021-2027, amounting to around €1.1 trillion.

Photo: EU Council