Household

Finance: Public budget climbs to record high

Beijing wants to stimulate the economy with a “proactive fiscal policy.” The 15th Five-Year Plan relies on a range of instruments. The public budget is climbing to a record high.

By Marcel Grzanna

France’s national budget: Lecornu emerges as an increasingly independent prime minister

After months of arduous negotiations, the approval of France’s national budget on Monday evening has granted President Emmanuel Macron a brief – if fragile – window of political stability, brokered by Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu.

By Claire Stam

France: Lecornu wants to push budget through parliament without a vote

By Redaktion Table

MFF: Federal states insist on being involved

The federal states insist on having a say in the distribution of EU cohesion funds. They have allies in the European Parliament and the Council.

By Till Hoppe

Why Brussels could soon face a US-style shutdown

The Brussels region is sitting on a mountain of debt, has a high deficit, no new government and no budget for 2026. Two banks want to suspend their credit lines at the end of the year.

By Stephan Israel

MFR: Crisis meeting between von der Leyen and Metsola scheduled for Monday

On Monday, Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Parliament President Roberta Metsola and the Danish Council Presidency will meet in order to avoid an escalation of the conflict over the EU's multiannual financial framework.

By János Allenbach-Ammann and Julia Dahm

Budget dispute: Belgium's government is on the brink

The right-wing liberal coalition in Brussels is arguing about savings of ten billion euros. Prime Minister De Wever is threatening to resign – Belgium could find itself in a similar situation to its neighbor France.

By Eric Bonse

MFF: Debate between Commission and Parliament remains inconclusive

The exchange between the Budget Commissioner and the group leaders on the MFF was “constructive”, but did not deliver any concrete results. The European Parliament is keeping up the pressure.

By János Allenbach-Ammann

How France could finance its defense plans

In 2026, EUR 57.1 billion is to be spent on defense from France’s strapped treasury. In the medium term, Paris will have to spend even more if it wants to meet the NATO requirements. Experts present plans on how this could work.

By Gabriel Bub

MFF: European Parliament heads for a clash with von der Leyen

The Socialists reject the Commission President's central reform proposal for the new EU financial framework. The EPP is also demanding far-reaching concessions – otherwise a rejection is "unavoidable".

By Till Hoppe