On 2 April 2025, the plenary of the European Parliament (EP) adopted the Parliament's guidelines for the 2026 EU budget. The guidelines are designed to set out the EP's expectations towards the Commission when drafting its budget proposal (expected in June 2025). MEPs wish that the 2026 EU budget bolsters EU defence and security capabilities. The budget should focus on strategic preparedness and security, economic competitiveness and resilience, sustainability, climate, and the single market. The EU should also arrange additional investments in research, innovation, enterprises, health, energy, migration, border protection, digital and green transitions, job creation and opportunities for young people.

MEPs call for improved EU security, cybersecurity and defence capabilities, and funding for dual-use transport infrastructure. Another important issue for the MEPs is the proper use of EU funds while upholding the rule of law. It is also emphasised that repayment of the borrowing costs of the NextGenerationEU recovery plan must not lead to a reduction in EU programmes and funds.