The European Union announced a 37% increase in its external action budget to €42.6 billion, citing growing challenges from climate instability, migration pressures and competition over critical resources.

Following are some reactions to the European Commission's proposal on Wednesday for a 2 trillion euro ($2.31 trillion) EU budget for 2028-2034. The proposal places a new emphasis on economic competitiveness and defence while aiming to reform the rules around farm and economic development subsidies.