EU budget battle erupts as four countries defy Germany's Merz over Ukraine aid

Résumé détaillé

Slovakia's Russia-friendly prime minister Robert Fico accused the German chancellor of 'blackmail' as four EU countries resisted his demand to link approval of the bloc's next long-term budget to fresh financial support for Ukraine.

BRATISLAVA — Slovakia's Russia-friendly prime minister Robert Fico accused the German chancellor of "blackmail" as four EU countries resisted his demand to link approval of the bloc's next long-term budget to fresh financial support for Ukraine.

Friedrich Merz has signaled he will block the EU’s seven-year budget unless there is a deal on financial aid for Ukraine, 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.

The leaders of the Czech Republic, Hungary and Bulgaria have also pushed back against Merz's ultimatum.

Fico denounced the German move as a "textbook case of blackmail" and threatened to wield his veto.

"We have an equal say in this matter," Fico said on Tuesday as he welcomed his Czech counterpart, Andrej Babiš, in Bratislava.

"Just as Mr Merz talks about using his veto, I can say exactly the same. We have the same veto power as the German federal chancellor."

Babiš quipped that Merz "probably doesn't realise" that the proposed EU budget already earmarks €100 billion for Ukraine. However, those funds will not become available until 2028, while Kyiv faces a €70 billion shortfall next year.

"Today will not be business as usual – not by a long shot. Today, we must respond to blackmail," Fico said, expressing his displeasure.

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