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 U

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.