Former EU leaders call for more global ambition in the EU budget

More than 30 former prime ministers, commissioners and other high-level EU officials have signed an open letter calling for greater ambition in the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) regarding global action.

The letter, sponsored by The One Campaign, Aidsfonds, Global Citizen and Resilience Action Network International, highlights that the current situation in the Strait of Hormuz shows how quickly geopolitical shocks can affect supply chains, food security and economic stability. It also mentions recent outbreaks of Hantavirus and Ebola, which underscore that health threats risk outpacing investments in prevention.

The signatories argue that Europe's security, prosperity and resilience are directly shaped by developments beyond its borders and the strength of its partnerships. The European Commission has proposed a €200 billion budget for the Global Europe programme, but the letter says the entire MFF should be backed by a robust own resources decision of at least €60 billion per year.

The letter emphasizes that external action can be an engine for Europe's competitiveness, delivering economic and strategic returns. Development investments are key for human and social development, but they go further by helping build stable markets, healthy and skilled workforces, resilient supply chains and trusted alliances. Research shows that for every €1 invested in EU official development assistance, €1 in additional EU exports is generated.

On security, the letter notes that the stability of the Sahel region is a direct concern for every EU member state, and instability drives displacement and creates conditions for hostile actors. These issues cannot be tackled through defence budgets alone; they require long-term investment in human development, economic resilience and governance. A stronger Global Europe budget is a foundation of Europe's security agenda, not separate from it.

Signatories include many former prime ministers such as Jean-Marc Ayrault (France), Jan Peter Balkenende (Netherlands), José Manuel Barroso (Portugal), Simon Coveney (Ireland), Valdis Birkavs (Latvia), and others. The letter concludes that the negotiation of the next long-term budget will leave its mark on European history, posing the question not of how much the EU can afford to spend overseas, but whether it can afford to fail to act.