Tánaiste to lead EU 2027 budget negotiations

Updated / Tuesday, 10 Nov 2026 07:18

Tánaiste Simon Harris will today lead negotiations in Brussels aimed at securing agreement on the EU's budget for 2027, with funding for farmers, businesses, infrastructure and education among the key priorities.

The Tánaiste will chair the ECOFIN Budget Council before representing EU Member States in talks with the European Parliament to hammer out a deal on how EU funding will be allocated next year.

The negotiations come at a critical time for Europe, with growing geopolitical uncertainty and increasing demands on EU finances.

The 2027 budget will also be the final annual budget under the EU’s current seven-year funding framework.

Speaking ahead of the talks, the Tánaiste said he was confident a deal could be reached that would deliver for citizens and businesses across Europe, while ensuring taxpayers get value for money.

He will also push to ensure the EU retains sufficient financial flexibility to respond to unforeseen crises and emerging challenges in 2027.

The Tanaiste said: "I will work with members of the European Parliament to reach an agreement for a budget that meets the EU’s needs while ensuring that our taxpayers’ money is spent carefully and effectively.

"Our approach will also ensure that there is sufficient room in the budget for the EU to respond to unexpected challenges which may arise in 2027, providing a critical buffer in the current geopolitical environment."