German Chancellor Merz told European Council President Costa Germany will back
the EU’s next seven-year budget only if all member states share the fiscal
burden of aid to Ukraine. He said bilateral aid is uneven and a small number of
countries currently shoulder most costs; members must fairly cover a €70 bln
(~$78.4 bln) funding gap for Ukraine next year. EU leaders meet in Dublin on
Thursday and Friday to discuss Ukraine financing and the EU budget. The EU
previously agreed a €90 bln loan to Ukraine, but the Czech Republic, Hungary and
Slovakia chose not to participate in that loan arrangement.
