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In this analysis
European Union ministers have moved negotiations over the bloc's 2028-2034 long-term budget into another political round as governments seek agreement before the end of 2026.
What happened
The General Affairs Council held a policy debate on expenditure priorities and revenue sources for the next Multiannual Financial Framework. Ministers also began preparing the October European Council, whose draft agenda includes Ukraine, the Middle East, enlargement, defence, competitiveness and migration.
Context
The Council says an agreement on the budget by the end of 2026 would allow the relevant legislation to be adopted in 2027 and funding to continue without interruption from January 2028.
What happens next
Budget negotiations will continue ahead of the October European Council, with a revised negotiating framework expected to shape the next stage of bargaining among member states.