EU Leaders Clash Over Budget as Germany Demands Cuts
EU leaders are meeting in Brussels to negotiate the EU budget for 2028-2034, with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz demanding cuts. Germany is the bloc's largest net contributor, paying about one-fifth of the budget. The European Commission and Parliament have proposed budgets of €1.8 trillion and €2 trillion respectively, but Merz says Germany's resources are limited and wants reductions across all areas. Critics, including SPD MEP Matthias Ecke, accuse Merz of playing with fire and urge him to seek compromise rather than radical positions. If no agreement is reached, the 2027 budget would roll over, which Merz admits would be financially cheapest for Germany but would harm Europe's capacity to act. EU funds support agriculture, research, and regional development, including projects in Germany.