France sets EU budget contribution for 2027

The National Assembly approved France’s contribution to the European Union’s budget for 2027 at 30.9 billion euros. The decision was made on Wednesday when deputies adopted the relevant article of the draft finance law for 2027, which will fund the EU’s operations and various initiatives. The vote passed with 111 in favor and 93 against.

Political groups oppose the contribution

Four political groups in the National Assembly voted against France’s contribution to the EU budget. These included the National Rally (RN) and its ally UDR, France Unbowed, and the Democratic and Republican Left, which consists of communist and overseas deputies. They argued against the financial commitment to the EU.

Amendments to reduce contribution rejected

The National Rally proposed an amendment to reduce France’s contribution by 11 billion euros, aiming to limit the net contribution to 5 billion euros. However, the amendment did not pass. France Unbowed also proposed similar amendments, either with or without conditions, but all were rejected by the assembly.

Minister defends France’s EU role

Benjamin Haddad, the minister in charge of Europe, defended France’s contribution to the EU budget. He emphasized that while France is a "net contributor," it is also the "largest beneficiary in volume" of European subsidies for agriculture, regions, and companies. He criticized political groups seeking to reduce the contribution, calling their arguments "disguised" and noting they had stopped using the term "Frexit."

Legal obligation remains unchanged

Philippe Juvin, the general rapporteur from the Republican Right, stated that removing the article on the EU contribution from the budget would have "absolutely no effect" on France’s legal obligation to pay it. The contribution is a statutory requirement under EU agreements.