Germany threatens to block EU budget unless all members help fund Ukraine - FT
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has warned that Berlin will not support the European Union's next seven-year budget unless all 27 member states agree to contribute to Ukraine's financing needs, the Financial Times reported on Nov. 9.
In a letter to European Council President António Costa, seen by the FT, Merz tied Germany's approval of the EU's 2028–2034 budget to a collective commitment to fund Ukraine in 2027 and beyond.
"A collective commitment that all of us, without exception, will contribute fairly to closing [Ukraine's financing] gap is an essential prerequisite for resolving this issue and for discussing any further matters, particularly those with financial implications," Merz wrote.
Ukraine says it needs an additional €70 billion in funding next year as Russia's war continues. The EU has pledged to cover roughly two-thirds of that amount, or about €45 billion, but has yet to agree on how to raise the money.
Hungary, Slovakia, Bulgaria and Czechia have indicated they do not want to contribute to additional assistance for Kyiv. All four are net recipients of EU budget funds, while Germany is the bloc's largest net contributor.
Merz is using that financial leverage ahead of an EU leaders' meeting in Dublin on Nov. 12–13, where Ukraine's funding needs are expected to be discussed.
He also called for a long-term financing arrangement for Ukraine from 2028 onward, warning that a solution supported by all member states would be necessary to conclude negotiations on the EU's next budget.
The European Commission is considering options to cover Ukraine's funding gap, including additional joint borrowing, with EU leaders hoping to reach an agreement by the end of the year.