How is the EU budget primarily prepared for adoption?

The process for preparing the EU budget primarily involves the European Commission submitting a draft for consideration. This step is foundational in the budgetary process, as the Commission, which is responsible for initiating legislation and managing EU policies and finances, prepares a detailed proposal that outlines the expenditures and revenues for the upcoming financial year.

The significance of this process lies in the structured approach the Commission takes to draft the budget. This draft reflects the priorities of the European Union and serves as the starting point for discussions and negotiations among the various EU institutions, including the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union. Once the draft is submitted, it undergoes examination and modifications before being finalized and adopted, ensuring that diverse interests and objectives within the Union are considered.

In contrast, the other options do not accurately capture the initial stage of the budget preparation process, as they involve aspects of the budgetary process that come after the draft submission or are part of different processes altogether.