EU Budget Inflated by Creative Accounting to Trillions

Both future inflation and a substantial rounding were included when the EU Commission wanted a powerful figure for its long-term budget.

» Published: July 16 2025

EU Budget Inflated by Creative Accounting to Trillions
Photo: Geert Vanden Wijngaert/AP/TT

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–A two trillion budget (”two trillions” as it is called in English), boasted EU boss Ursula von der Leyen when she presented her even and fine figures.

But if you are going to be precise with the billions, the budget actually amounts to ”only” 1,984.9 billion euros. And then the EU Commission also includes the expected inflation until the budget is to come into effect. In today's figures, it's more about 1,816 billion euros, equivalent to 1.26 percent of the EU's gross national income, bni.

The European Parliament is not impressed by the number juggling.

”However you try to package this, it is in real numbers a freeze of investments and expenses”, it says in a statement from the parliament's two budget responsibles.

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By TTEnglish edition by Sweden Herald, adapted for local and international readers

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