Six European Union member states have formally called for substantial reductions to the European Commission’s proposed long-term budget for 2028–2034, signaling growing fiscal resistance within the bloc.
Germany, Denmark, the Netherlands, Austria, Finland and Sweden issued a joint statement advocating a balanced approach to cutting the budget, with all spending areas contributing to reductions. The proposal follows Germany’s June suggestion of trimming roughly €400 billion from the plan, which currently totals nearly €2 trillion ($2.33 trillion).
All six nations are net contributors to the EU budget, meaning their contributions exceed the funds they receive. The joint demand was agreed upon during a meeting of leaders in Berlin, underscoring the fiscal strain facing Europe’s largest economies.
The EU’s Multiannual Financial Framework, the bloc’s long-term budget, requires unanimous approval from all 27 member states. European Council President Antonio Costa is currently engaged in diplomatic efforts to secure a deal, with a target of finalizing an agreement by the end of 2026.
The push for cuts reflects broader concerns over the sustainability of the EU’s spending commitments amid economic uncertainty and competing fiscal priorities.
