European Union leaders headed for a clash over the bloc's budget on Friday after both net contributors and beneficiaries criticized an initial proposal on what the EU should pay for from 2028 to 2034 – and where the money should come from.
The EU budget is how the 27-member bloc finances all of its policies – from supporting farmers and developing new technology to student exchange programs and equalizing standards of living across member states.
According to the European Commission's proposal, the 2028-2034 budget should be €2 trillion.
Bitter fight for unanimous deal
Richer EU countries pay more into the budget than they get out of it, while poorer ones receive more than they pay.
