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Germany Demands €400 bn EU Budget Cut, Calls Deal Urgent

7/1/2026

50 9 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Germany says the EU’s 2028-2034 budget is unaffordable and demands a €400 billion cut.
An internal German document shows the cut would reduce the European Commission’s €2 trillion proposal.
Germany warns its annual contribution would still exceed €50 billion, 27 % higher than the 2021-2027 budget.
Chancellor Friedrich Merz urges all 27 states to finalize a deal this year before the 2028 budget takes effect.

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Story summary

Germany says the EU’s 2028-2034 budget is unaffordable and demands a €400 billion cut.
An internal German document shows the cut would reduce the European Commission’s €2 trillion proposal.
Germany warns its annual contribution would still exceed €50 billion, 27 % higher than the 2021-2027 budget.
Chancellor Friedrich Merz urges all 27 states to finalize a deal this year before the 2028 budget takes effect.