On November 9, 2026, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz threatened to block the next seven-year budget of the European Union unless all member states commit to providing financial support for Ukraine. This statement comes ahead of the EU leaders' meeting scheduled for November 10-11 in Dublin.
Conditions for Budget Support
In his letter to the President of the European Council Antonio Costa, Merz emphasized that support for the budget for 2028-2034 is contingent upon the commitment of all EU countries to finance Ukraine. He stressed that a "collective commitment" from all member states is a necessary condition for discussing any further issues, especially those with financial implications.
Context of the Threat
This statement from Merz is part of a broader discussion regarding the financing of Ukraine, which has been affected by war. Germany, as one of the leading financial donors in the EU, seeks to ensure that all member states share the responsibility for funding the recovery and support of Ukraine. Merz indicated that without joint financing, Germany would not be able to support the new budget.
Expectations from the EU Leaders' Meeting
At the upcoming meeting in Dublin, Merz plans to raise the issue of financing for Ukraine. This topic is expected to be one of the key points on the agenda, as EU countries attempt to find a common stance on supporting Ukraine amid the ongoing conflict.