Frankfurt (Germany), 10 Nov. (LaPresse) – “We must fully incorporate support for Ukraine into the European budget.” This was stated by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz at a press conference in Berlin alongside Hungarian Prime Minister Peter Magyar, emphasising that aid to Kyiv is “a common European task, not the responsibility of individual Member States, but of the European Union as a whole”. The issue will be at the heart of negotiations on the next multiannual financial framework, starting in 2028. Merz recalled that last year, shortly before Christmas, it had been necessary to resort to enhanced cooperation, with 24 out of 27 countries willing to proceed. “But, in my view, continuing down this path is not a good option,” he added. The Chancellor acknowledged that at least four Member States hold a different position: “I know there are differing views on this issue. But then we must discuss it.” Merz reported that he had addressed the matter “very openly” with Magyar, acknowledging that in Hungary there is also a domestic political dimension which Berlin “naturally respects”. The Chancellor then outlined Germany’s position: “The largest contributor to the European Union budget and, at the same time, the country that by far makes the largest contribution to supporting Ukraine is keen to clarify this fundamental issue together.” The matter, Merz added, will be on the agenda “in the coming days and, probably, in the coming weeks”.
EU, Merz: ‘Support for Kyiv must be fully incorporated into the budget’
Frankfurt (Germany), 10 Nov. (LaPresse) – “We must fully incorporate support for Ukraine into the European budget.” This was stated by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz at a press conference in Berlin alongside Hungarian Prime Minister Peter Magyar, emphasising that aid to Kyiv is “a common European task, not the responsibility of individual Member States, but of the European Union as a whole”. The issue will be at the heart of negotiations on the next multiannual financial framework, starting in 2028. Merz recalled that last year, shortly before Christmas, it had been necessary to resort to enhanced cooperation, with 24 out of 27 countries willing to proceed. “But, in my view, continuing down this path is not a good option,” he added. The Chancellor acknowledged that at least four Member States hold a different position: “I know there are differing views on this issue. But then we must discuss it.” Merz reported that he had addressed the matter “very openly” with Magyar, acknowledging that in Hungary there is also a domestic political dimension which Berlin “naturally respects”. The Chancellor then outlined Germany’s position: “The largest contributor to the European Union budget and, at the same time, the country that by far makes the largest contribution to supporting Ukraine is keen to clarify this fundamental issue together.” The matter, Merz added, will be on the agenda “in the coming days and, probably, in the coming weeks”.