Germany's contribution to the EU budget could double by 2027 to 33 billion euros, if the European Commission's proposal for the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) is adopted, according to German estimates published in the press on Monday 28 October (see EUROPE 12352/1).
Chancellor Angela Merkel had already pointed out that a budget limited to 1% of the EU's Gross National Income (GNI) over the period of 2021-2027 would represent a 10 billion increase in the country's contribution to the EU budget (see EUROPE 12278/5).
If the Commission's proposal on the MFF 2021-2027 were adopted (1.114% of GNI and end of budgetary corrections), Germany's contribution to the EU budget would increase from 15 billion euros in 2020 to 33 billion euros in 2027, a 100% increase. The Netherlands would see its contribution increase by 50%.
Angela Merkel stated at the last European Council that with the Commission's proposal, Germany would become the largest contributor to the EU budget (this is already the case in gross amounts). The German Ministry of Finance deplored the fact that, as a result of Brexit and the plan to abolish discounts, the country's contribution would increase in a way that was "disproportionate to other Member States". The 'net contributor' countries to the budget are calling for a MFF limited to 1% of GNI and the maintenance of budgetary rebates. (Original version in French by Lionel Changeur)