Macron tells EU leaders to finalize budget by 2026 before elections complicate talks
French President Emmanuel Macron has warned EU leaders they must agree on the bloc's next long-term budget before the end of 2026, citing upcoming elections that could complicate negotiations, according to two diplomats. EU leaders met in Brussels on Thursday to discuss the 2028-2034 spending plan, which requires unanimous approval and often sparks disputes between net contributors and recipients. A special summit is scheduled for late November to reach an agreement. The urgency stems from a crowded European election calendar in 2027, including France's presidential race in April and May, where far-right leader Marine Le Pen has pledged to cut France's contribution and urged delaying a deal. Poland, Slovakia, Italy, Greece, and Finland also hold elections next year.