The adjustment would maintain €400 billion (30% of the total) for depressed areas in the 2028-2034 financial framework.

The measure seeks to avoid political fractures within the EU executive.

Analysts from the European Regional Policy Observatory emphasize that this setback highlights the tensions between rich and peripheral states, as southern economies demand greater solidarity.

The initial proposal sought to centralize the management of funds in national governments, which generated criticism for a possible increase in intraregional inequalities.

Italy and Romania led the opposition to the plan. According to the source, the new text includes sufficient guarantees for the regions, but could lead to cuts in other strategic areas such as defense and energy transition.

The multiannual budget represents about 1% of EU GDP. During his term, former German Chancellor Olaf Scholz rejected increasing national contributions, while France and Italy face limits due to their fiscal deficits, which complicates the expansion of the budget ceiling.

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