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German Chancellor Merz threatens to block EU budget unless four holdouts - Hungary, Slovakia, Bulgaria, and the Czech Republic - commit to funding Ukraine - Meduza
Meduza • • world
Key Points:
- German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has threatened to block the EU’s 2028–2034 budget adoption unless all member states agree to long-term financial support for Ukraine, according to a letter to European Council President António Costa.
- The EU approved a €90 billion loan for Ukraine in 2026, but Kyiv will require an additional €70 billion in 2027, with the EU pledging to cover about €45 billion; however, Hungary, Slovakia, Bulgaria, and the Czech Republic have refused further financial aid.
- Merz emphasized the need for a unanimous agreement among EU members to ensure sustainable, multi-year financing for Ukraine starting in 2028.
- Germany is the largest net contributor to the EU budget, while the countries opposing further aid to Ukraine are net beneficiaries of EU funds.
- Upcoming elections in key EU countries like France, Italy, and Poland may complicate support negotiations, with candidates such as Marine Le Pen already pledging to end financial aid to Ukraine if elected.
