Investing in our common future
The budget of the European Union

European Commission

Manuscript completed in November 2006

Catalogue number: NA-AB-06-291-EN-C

Text only:   Manuscript (130 Kb)

Illustrated version:   827 Kb
 

Using only 1 % of its overall wealth each year, the EU is building our common future and assuming global responsibilities. Spending decisions are based on whether each euro is best spent by the EU or national governments. The focus is on meeting the challenges of the modern world to our society in the interests of a better life for the citizens of the EU. The money is primarily spent, therefore, on reducing income and social disparities across the EU, promoting the mobility which open internal borders make possible, on freedom, security and justice within the EU’s external borders, and on reinforcing the EU’s cultural diversity. Significant sums are also spent outside its border because the EU’s economic and political weight in the world confers global responsibilities.