The European Union budget at a glance

The EU’s annual budget is equivalent to around 1% of the Union’s national wealth, which is about €244 per EU citizen. This money is used with the aim of improving the everyday lives of people. For students, this could be in the form of opportunities to study abroad. For small businesses, it could imply easier access to larger markets and a fair business environment. For researchers, it could mean more chances to develop their ideas. For jobseekers, it could be new training possibilities. Directly or indirectly, we all benefit from some activity funded from the EU budget, be it in the form of cleaner beaches, safer food on our plates, better roads or the guaranteeing of our fundamental rights.

This brochure answers the following questions:

• What is the money spent on?
• Where does the money come from?
• How is the budget decided?
• How is the money spent and controlled?
• How is the money accounted for?