EU budget talks stall as French election pressure mounts, Orpo warns

EU leaders failed to reach consensus on the EU's next long-term budget during the first day of a Brussels summit, with Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo warning that a deal by year's end is not guaranteed. Nearly every country had its own view on the Irish presidency's compromise proposal. The Irish proposal cuts the European Commission's original €2 trillion plan by over €140 billion, but savings mainly target defense and competitiveness, drawing criticism. Frugal nations like Finland demand deeper cuts, while a majority of member states protect regional and cohesion funding. Finland seeks further reductions while securing financing for competition, defense, and farm income support. French President Emmanuel Macron urged agreement before Christmas, warning no political space exists after January as his mandate wanes. The budget could become campaign fuel in France's spring presidential election, where far-right candidate Marine Le Pen has promised to cut France's EU contribution by €11 billion. Orpo stressed difficult decisions must be made soon, as delays won't ease the process.