Day: September 10, 2025

Negotiations Heat Up for EU Budget

Critical budget negotiations within the European Union are intensifying as decision-makers convene behind closed doors, reports 24brussels. In March, net contributor nations allocated €175 billion for the Horizon research program during an informal meeting in Helsinki, underscoring the strategic nature of these discussions.

The European Commission, led by Budget Commissioner Piotr Serafin, is strategically positioned to influence national governments to adhere to its initial proposals throughout ongoing dialogues with the Council and Parliament. Serafin, a seasoned diplomat and former Polish ambassador to the EU, will engage in negotiations among net payers and the Friends of Cohesion in the coming months.

Described by a Commission official as a mediator who comprehends the intricate dynamics of negotiations, Serafin’s role is pivotal as he navigates between conflicting interests. Veteran budget negotiator Lewandowski emphasized that Serafin must adopt a “divide et impera” approach, breaking down large coalitions rather than consolidating them.

Lewandowski, who previously worked as Serafin’s aide, advised him to engage with member states individually to diminish the collective strength of opposing groups against the Commission. With volatile discussions looming, a few essential truths stand out for participants.

Austria’s representative, Imhof, remarked, “This [Commission] proposal won’t be what we’re going to agree on at the end; everyone will have to move … [But] there has always been a deal, and we are going to manage a deal this time as well.”