The EU faces long and likely tortuous negotiations on its next big budget, as the current one runs out in 2027. Many say the bloc shouldn't have to choose between funding defence – the current big priority – and financing the green transition, the welfare state, development aid and so on. But even if these different areas are equally important, the reality is that there are tough choices ahead for the EU, as political factions emphasise their own priorities and member states defend their national interests.

The European Commission, Parliament and member states are already working on their respective positions for the post-2027 MFF, or multi-financial framework. In the current period, from 2021 to 2027, spending works out to an average of €173 billion per year.

We sit down with two MEPs to discuss what could change in the next MFF, and what sacrifices might need to be made.

Programme prepared by Isabelle Romero, Luke Brown, Oihana Almandoz and Perrine Desplats