The Commission’s budget department toyed with the idea of lumping together over 500 different funds into a single cash pot for each country that would determine spending in sectors ranging from farm subsidies to social housing.
Spain dismissed this option on the grounds that it “may not be the most effective way to achieve a simpler and more focused budget in practice.”
What will be decided, and when?
Tuesday’s discussion kicks off a long and Byzantine process that will end before the start of 2028, when the new budget takes effect.
This week the commissioners will rubber-stamp a short document laying out the major issues to be addressed.
There is some disagreement over how much individual commissioners will be able to influence the proposal, two Commission officials told POLTICO.
Commission President Ursula von der Leyen wants to keep a firm grip on the process, whereas commissioners with skin in the game would like a bigger role in steering the debate.
After the Commission puts forward its proposal this summer, negotiations start between the Council and the European Parliament.
National capitals are arguably the most powerful players in the process as each country can veto the budget.
