Germany Pushes for €400 Billion Cut to EU’s Proposed 2028-2034 Budget

Germany is pressing for a €400 billion reduction to the European Commission’s proposed €2 trillion budget covering 2028 to 2034, according to an internal government document. Berlin warned that without major changes, reaching an agreement among member states would be impossible.

Largest Net Contributor Raises Alarm

As the EU’s biggest financial backer, Germany is concerned about the scale of the next seven-year budget, which marks a sharp jump from the current €1.3 trillion framework. Officials noted that even with the proposed cut, spending would still rise 27% compared to today, pushing Germany’s yearly contribution above €50 billion.

Merz Urges Quick Resolution

Chancellor Friedrich Merz has called on member states to finalize a deal this year, citing the need for planning certainty before the budget begins in 2028 and upcoming elections in France, Poland and Italy.