An agreement was reached on the 2016 EU budget under extraordinary circumstances as the world witnessed the terrible attacks in Paris. The EU institutions have taken their responsibility by concluding a deal well ahead of the deadline, with the European Commission – Vice-President Kristalina Georgieva in the lead – playing an honest broker role.
Before finalising the agreement in the early hours of Saturday, negotiators observed a minute of silence for the victims of the attacks. The 2016 EU budget is set at €155 billion in commitments and €144 billion in payment credits. The agreement strengthens the EU response to the refugee crisis and boosts investment in competitiveness, jobs and growth. The budget will support the recovery of the European economy and help improve lives in Europe and beyond.
