Politics · Germany · 9 hrs ago
Merz threatens to block EU budget without shared Ukraine funding pledge
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has tied Germany’s support for the next EU budget to Ukraine aid.
In a letter to European Council President António Costa, he called for every EU member state to make a fair contribution.
Ukraine needs about €70 billion in external financing next year, and the EU has said it will provide about €45 billion.
The EU previously approved a €90 billion loan for Ukraine covering 2026 and 2027, but that is not enough to meet the country’s needs.
Hungary, Slovakia, Bulgaria and the Czech Republic oppose further assistance, raising the risk of a dispute over how the money is shared.
Merz wants the next EU budget, covering 2028 to 2034, to include a reliable, multi-year plan for Ukraine.
EU leaders are due to discuss the funding, while negotiations on the next budget continue.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has threatened to block agreement on the EU’s 2028–2034 budget unless all member states commit to further financial support for Ukraine.
Ukraine is estimated to need €70 billion in external financing next year, with the EU expected to provide about €45 billion.
Hungary, Slovakia, Bulgaria and the Czech Republic have indicated they will not take part in further EU financial assistance for Ukraine.
Merz has called for a shared, multi-year funding plan for Ukraine from 2028.
The issue is expected to be discussed at an informal EU leaders’ meeting in Dublin.
- Who
- German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is pressing EU member states to commit to Ukraine funding.
- What
- He has threatened to block the 2028–2034 EU budget unless all members commit to further support for Ukraine.
- When
- The reports were published on November 9, 2026; the EU leaders’ meeting in Dublin is scheduled for Thursday and Friday.
- Where
- The dispute concerns EU budget negotiations and funding for Ukraine.
- Why
- Merz says a shared commitment to Ukraine funding is needed to address its financing gap and reach agreement on EU financial matters.
EU members backing a shared commitment to Ukraine funding
Hungary, Slovakia, Bulgaria and the Czech Republic
Further Ukraine assistance
EU members backing a shared commitment to Ukraine funding
Merz is calling for all EU member states to make a fair contribution to closing Ukraine’s funding gap.
Hungary, Slovakia, Bulgaria and the Czech Republic
The four countries have indicated they will not provide further financial assistance to Ukraine.
The EU approved a €90 billion loan for Ukraine.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy asked allies for a further €70 billion, according to Handelsblatt.
Reports said Merz had linked Germany’s agreement to the next EU budget to a commitment by all member states to support Ukraine.
EU leaders are scheduled to meet in Dublin, where Ukraine funding is expected to be discussed.
- Next EU budget period
- 2028–2034
- Ukraine’s estimated external financing need next year
- €70 billion
- EU’s expected share of that need
- About €45 billion
- Countries cited as resisting further EU assistance
- Hungary, Slovakia, Bulgaria and the Czech Republic
- Previously approved EU loan
- €90 billion for 2026 and 2027
4 sources
Finanzierung der Ukraine: Merz dringt auf Bekenntnis aller EU-Staaten zu Ukraine-Hilfe
Kanzler droht mit Haushalts-Blockade - Merz setzt EU-Staaten Ultimatum zu Ukraine-Hilfen
German Chancellor Merz threatens to block EU budget unless four holdouts — Hungary, Slovakia, Bulgaria, and the Czech Republic — commit to funding Ukraine
Kanzler mit Drohbrief an Brüssel : Bericht: Merz knüpft Ja zu EU-Haushalt an neue Ukraine-Hilfen
What people are saying
find a solution supported by all Member States that ensures a sound and multiannual financing perspective for Ukraine from 2028 onwards.
Die Unterstützung der Ukraine ist eine Frage unserer unteilbaren europäischen Sicherheit, und das muss auch für die Lastenteilung bei der Unterstützung gelten.
The financial support of Ukraine by all EU member states is essential to successfully conclude the EU budget negotiations.