Fact Check: "The EU's long-term budget is currently set at 1.2 trillion euros."
What We Know
The claim that "The EU's long-term budget is currently set at 1.2 trillion euros" is based on the current Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) of the European Union, which covers the budget period from 2021 to 2027. According to the European Commission, this budget indeed amounts to approximately €1.2 trillion, which is around 1% of the EU's gross domestic product (GDP) (European Commission). Additionally, recent reports indicate that the upcoming budget negotiations for the next MFF, covering 2028 to 2034, will also be centered around a similar figure of €1.2 trillion (Euractiv).
Analysis
The sources confirming the budget figure are credible and come from reputable organizations. The European Commission is the executive body of the EU and is responsible for proposing legislation and managing the EU's budget, making its statements highly reliable. The report from Euractiv discusses the ongoing debates about the budget and confirms the €1.2 trillion figure as a central point in discussions about future funding priorities.
Moreover, a report from Reuters also highlights that the negotiations for the next EU budget period will cover a sum of about €1.2 trillion, reinforcing the claim's validity. The consistency across multiple credible sources strengthens the reliability of the information.
While some discussions are ongoing regarding the potential for increasing the budget or reallocating funds, the current figure remains firmly established. Reports from various stakeholders, including member states like Germany, indicate that there is limited financial leeway for significant changes to this budget figure at present (Reuters).
Conclusion
Verdict: True
The claim that "The EU's long-term budget is currently set at 1.2 trillion euros" is accurate. The figure is confirmed by multiple credible sources, including the European Commission and major news outlets. The current budget period from 2021 to 2027 is indeed set at this amount, and discussions about future budgets are also centered around similar figures.
