On 10 October, the Irish Presidency of the Council of the EU presented its revised proposal for the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) for 2028–2034, proposing a budget of €1.62 trillion. This represents an 8% reduction (€141 billion) compared with the European Commission’s proposal, but a 30% increase over the current MFF. The proposal seeks to balance increased investment in competitiveness, research, innovation, security and defence with the protection of traditional EU priorities, particularly agriculture and cohesion.

While the announcement does not specify funding allocations for Erasmus+ or grassroots sport, the negotiations will determine the overall financial framework for EU programmes supporting education, youth and sport. The Irish Presidency aims to secure an agreement on the next MFF by the end of 2026.