The system of own resources of the European Union: State of play and future prospects

Abstract

The article explores the European Union's system of own resources, a foundational yet often underexamined aspect of EU integration. Tracing its evolution from the EEC Treaty to the current framework, the article assesses the conceptual ambiguity surrounding the notion of ‘own resources’, the limits of the EU's financial autonomy and the institutional challenges arising from the unanimity requirement and the limited involvement of the European Parliament under the procedure laid down in Article 311 TFEU. The paper then examines recent initiatives, with particular attention devoted to the proposal for a new own resources decision presented by the European Commission in July 2025, in anticipation of the next Multiannual Financial Framework (2028–2034). Against this background, the contribution investigates the current and prospective relevance of own resources as a financing mechanism for the EU, notably in comparison with ‘other revenue’ under Article 311, second paragraph, TFEU. The discussion concludes with open questions concerning the reform of the decision-making process and the possible development of the EU's fiscal base, with a view to enhancing financial autonomy and policy coherence.