EU budget continued to deliver on results while the STEP initiative boosted innovation in 2024

The Commission has published its Annual Management and Performance Report (AMPR), showing that the EU budget delivered results on key priorities and responded to crises in 2024. among many achievements, the EU budget supported the green and digital transitions, contributed to strengthening EU defence capabilities, provided unwavering support to Ukraine, and helped respond to the humanitarian crisis in the Middle East. All the EU Budget achievements and information on the EU financial programmes can be found in the Programme Performance Statements.

However, the EU Budget must keep pace with the unpredictability of a changing world. For this reason, the Commission will submit its proposals for the post-2027 multiannual financial framework this next 16 July. Making the best possible of use of taxpayers' money, while protecting against errors and fraud is of outmost importance, and the Commission has proved this through the creation and improvement of diverse robust tools, such as the Conditionality regulation, a solid internal control framework, and a reinforced Financial Regulation.

Following the report on the use of the EU Budget in the AMPR, the Commission has also published the first annual report on the EU Strategic Technologies for Europe Platform (STEP). This platform, established as part of the mid-term review of the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) to better coordinate support for strategic technologies, has made significant strides in bolstering European innovation and reducing strategic dependencies. In its first year, STEP mobilised over €10 billion in EU public funding towards the three STEP strategic sectors: digital technologies and deep-tech innovation, clean and resource-efficient technologies, and biotechnologies and associated skills. The funding, supporting high-impact projects proposed by SMEs, start-ups, larger firms and researchers around Europe, deployed from 11 EU programmes.

The Commission has recognized 162 high-quality projects across 23 EU Member States with STEP Seals, boosting their visibility and attracting additional funding. Building on this momentum, the Commission proposed in April 2025 that STEP be extended to defence technologies. With negotiations underway in the European Parliament and the Council, this potential expansion represents a pivotal moment in Europe's journey toward technological excellence and security.

A press release with further details is available online.

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