Merz calls for cuts to EU's 2028–2034 budget proposal

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has called for spending cuts across all areas of the European Union's proposed budget for 2028–2034.

According to Report, Merz made the remarks at a press conference with European Council President António Costa.

The chancellor said the European Commission was proposing a 60% increase in spending compared with the previous multiannual budget.

He said the proposal should be reduced by several hundred billion euros over the entire financial period.

Merz stressed that increasing EU expenditure would be difficult for member states at a time when national governments are under pressure to cut their own budget spending.