Swedish PM warns EU budget is not a free lunch

Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson criticized a draft EU budget for 2028-2034, warning that European funds are not free and that Sweden will not act as an ATM for the bloc. He opposes the Irish proposal, which he says would raise Sweden's EU fee by billions. Kristersson stated that Sweden, a major net contributor, will not rush a compromise due to time pressure, despite the EU presidency's goal of a deal by year-end. He dismissed arguments that upcoming elections in large member states necessitate a quick agreement. On the opposing side, Spanish PM Pedro Sánchez called the draft "clearly insufficient," demanding an ambitious budget for migration and regional policy. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz expressed hope for a deal this year, though he expects lengthy December negotiations.