EU Sets Stage For Big Battle Over Long-term Budget

The EU has to balance a growing list of priorities in the budget including bolstering security, while avoiding a new fight with farmers (Credit: AFP)

The European Commission will kickstart two years of tense negotiations when it unveils its proposal Wednesday for the EU's long-term budget including funding reforms that risk renewed confrontation with farmers.

EU chief Ursula von der Leyen has to balance a growing list of priorities including bolstering the bloc's security, ramping up Europe's competitiveness to keep up with US and Chinese companies, countering climate change and paying debts due from 2028.