Press Release: EU Budget 2009: gearing up for economic recovery

In 2009, the biggest share of the EU budget – 45% or €60 billion - will go to research, innovation, employment and regional development programmes, combining short and longer-term measures to help Europe respond to the current economic crisis as quickly and effectively as possible. An 11% increase in research and a 22% increase in the EU's innovation programme will help boost competitiveness in difficult times as well as EU efforts to move to a low-carbon economy. Funds for agriculture remain stable, taking over 40% of EU cash, while spending on the environment and rural development will rise by 2.9%. Europe's role in the world will also see spending grow in 2009, including €0.6 billion for the €1 billion food facility to help developing countries respond to rising food prices.