EU leaders face tough talks on 2028-34 budget in Brussels

EU leaders meet in Brussels on Thursday and Friday to negotiate the next multi-annual EU budget for 2028-2034, with tough talks expected between countries seeking cuts and those demanding a larger budget. The agenda also includes Ukraine support, China trade relations, and high energy prices. The Irish presidency's draft proposes savings of around 140 billion euros, or eight percent, compared to the European Commission's nearly two trillion euro plan. The "frugal" states—Germany, Austria, the Netherlands, Finland, Denmark, and Sweden—push for significant reductions, while the "Friends of Cohesion" group of 16 countries, including Italy, Spain, and Poland, advocate for maintaining current funding priorities. France, a net payer in debt crisis, seeks to avoid higher contributions while opposing cuts to agricultural subsidies. EU Council President Antonio Costa aims for a deal by year-end, but obstacles include France's demand for new EU own resources, potential delays from upcoming elections in France, Spain, and Poland, and possible Italian resistance. Leaders will also discuss energy prices, a future China strategy, Ukraine aid, hybrid threats, EU enlargement, and migration.