Merz has threatened to block the EU budget for 2028–2034

Friedrich Merz has threatened to block the EU budget for 2028–2034 due to disagreements over funding for Ukraine, the Financial Times reports.

The chancellor is demanding an agreement on aid to Ukraine during a meeting of EU leaders in Dublin on November 13. Kyiv has requested an additional €70 billion to cover its budget deficit in 2027, and the European Union is prepared to cover approximately two-thirds of that amount.

Hungary, Slovakia, Bulgaria, and the Czech Republic oppose further funding for Kyiv. All four countries have also declined to participate in a previously agreed-upon €90 billion EU loan package.

 In this regard, Merz stated in his letter that a solution supported by all member states must be found to ensure long-term funding for Ukraine from 2028 onwards. Merz also pointed out that this solution should include the payment of interest on existing debt related to Kyiv.

 The European Commission has presented a draft for a new seven-year EU budget for 2028–2034, totaling approximately two trillion euros and providing for increased spending on defense, competitiveness, and support for Ukraine. 

The proposals have sparked disagreements among EU member states regarding the size of the budget, the allocation of funds, and the introduction of new revenue sources.

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