German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has threatened to block the EU's seven-year budget unless a deal is reached on financial aid for Ukraine, arguing the burden is "carried mostly by only a few member states." His intervention has drawn accusations of "typical blackmail" from some European leaders and set the stage for stormy negotiations later this month. Central European leaders, who are net beneficiaries of EU funds, are particularly angered by the move, as they do not want to participate in an upcoming funding round to support Ukraine's war effort.
German chancellor has signalled he will block budget with no aid deal, complaining that burden is ‘carried mostly by only a few member states’Friedrich Merz has signalled he will block the EU’s seven-year budget unless there is a deal on financial aid for Ukraine, triggering accusations of “typical blackmail” from some other European leaders and setting the stage for stormy talks later this month.The German chancellor’s intervention has angered leaders in central Europe who are net beneficiaries of EU funds but do not want to take part in an upcoming funding round to support Ukraine’s war effort. Continue reading...
