EU budget blocked over €70 billion gap for Ukraine funding

European Union leaders failed to agree on the bloc's long-term budget for 2028-2034, blocking approval and delaying the deadline to the end of the year. The deadlock stems from a demand for an additional €70 billion to meet Ukraine's needs. The extra funds would supplement €45 billion already programmed for Ukraine in 2027, part of a €90 billion loan package. European Council President Antonio Costa requested urgent proposals from the European Commission to address Kyiv's "additional needs," with President Macron confirming international allies, including the G7, would share the burden. Ukraine's President Zelensky has specifically requested 300 Patriot interceptor missiles for winter, as reports indicate Ukrainian forces have depleted their American-made inventory. Leaders are exploring using nearly €300 billion in frozen Russian central bank assets held in Belgium, though reconstruction costs are estimated at $588 billion over a decade.