According to the EU regulation, the Central Budget ensures the uniform enforcement of the EU budget, makes certain the coherence of budget resources. The Central Budget helps to protect the interests of all stakeholders, including citizens, companies, EU member states, and other interested parties.
The Central Budget is divided into three main areas – revenue, expenditure, and borrowing. Revenue sources include taxes, tariffs, social contributions, expenditure financed from abroad, and revenue generated by the European Investment Bank. Expenditure is allocated in four main areas: cohesion policy, agricultural policy, social policy, and general budget support.
The Central Budget aims to serve several primary objectives, such as contributing to the development of regions and enhancing the competitiveness of the EU economy. Specific amounts of funding are allocated to each task and programmes are administered on an annual basis.
Cohesion policy is intended to reduce economic, social and territorial disparities, encouraging economic development and improving the quality of life in disadvantaged areas. Priority is given to supporting the development of infrastructure, providing support for innovation, research and development, and supporting small and medium enterprises.
Agricultural policy is intended to support farmers and promote farming activities, encouraging them to remain in farming, develop their operations and contribute to the environment. Specifically, support is provided for investments in land, capital, research and education, production, processing, marketing and promotion.
Social policy is used to strengthen the EU economy by promoting equal opportunity, diversity and social inclusion. Funds are allocated for education, training, healthcare and social services, amongst others.
Finally, the relevant authorities manage the general budget, ensuring efficient and effective use of resources. This part of the Central Budget also covers investments in security and defense and administrative expenditure.
The Central Budget is intended to ensure the fairness and accuracy of the process of overseeing the EU budget, as well as maintaining fiscal responsibility and protecting the interests of stakeholders. The Central Budget is monitored and adjusted to ensure that it is effectively and efficiently used according to the objectives set by the EU and its members.