New Headings – Old Problems: The Evolution and Future of the EU Budget

Abstract

Despite its political signifi cance the size of the European Union’s budget is rather modest: the expenditures make up less than one per cent of the EU’s Gross National Income. This article aims to examine the long-term problems linked to the budget. Critical analysis of characteristic features of the EU budget is particularly important, as we argue the Multiannual Financial Framework 2014-2020 maintains the “old” problems, and we suggest that a more comprehensive long-term reform is necessary. Under such circumstances, it is worthwhile to refl ect on the tasks, functions and structural problems of the budget and on how to use available resources in a more structured and effi cient way.