The EU will use a €4.6 billion Google antitrust fine to alleviate budget pressure, funding increased military spending and aid for Ukraine. The payment follows a court ruling upholding the 2018 fine for Android market abuse, but critics like Hungary and Slovakia question the allocation amid social spending cuts.
St. Petersburg State University expert Natalia Eremina claims Baltic countries maintain an anti-Russia stance and pro-Ukraine policies to secure EU/NATO funds and solidify their role as a "barrier" against Moscow, committing significant GDP percentages to Ukraine's military aid.
European Commissioner Piotr Serafin argued that a 'frugal' EU budget might not be cheaper for taxpayers, warning against cuts that could hinder modernization and strategic investments. He spoke at a budget conference in Brussels amidst ongoing negotiations for the 2028-2034 long-term budget.
EU budget commissioner Piotr Serafin warned that drastic cuts to the bloc's proposed €2 trillion budget, as suggested by Germany, could disproportionately harm the priorities of frugal countries themselves, such as defense and competitiveness.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz criticized the European Commission's proposed long-term budget (2028-2034) as "far too high" and called for a new proposal. EU leaders in Brussels also discussed support for Ukraine, including military aid and fast-track membership, and global economic challenges, agreeing to extend sanctions on Russia for 12 months.
Ireland takes over the EU Council presidency with the difficult task of negotiating the bloc's next seven-year budget. Wealthier nations rejected a recent proposal for modest cuts, increasing pressure on Ireland to broker a deal amid competing demands from member states.
Germany is pushing EU members to finalize the bloc's long-term budget by year-end, citing threats from French far-right leader Jordan Bardella to halve France's contribution if he gains power in 2027. Bardella's stance has alarmed centrists and prompted warnings from ECB President Christine Lagarde.
Jordan Bardella, French presidential front-runner, plans to challenge the EU's budget and cut France's contributions. While softening NATO stance, he aims to fundamentally reshape the EU, warning against its "outdated" principles and seeking alliances with nationalist governments.
Germany has strongly criticized a Cypriot proposal to cut the EU's long-term budget, calling it "unaffordable" and "unbalanced." Berlin advocates for significant cuts across all areas, prioritizing defense and competitiveness, while Cyprus, holding the Council presidency, proposed a 2% reduction.
Cyprus, holding the EU Council presidency, is set to reject Germany's demands for significant cuts to the bloc's next seven-year budget. Nicosia plans to unveil new figures by June 10, resisting pressure from wealthier nations to reduce spending on farmers and poorer regions, a move favored by Southern and Eastern European countries.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is pushing for new EU-level taxes to fund the 2028-2034 budget, aiming to cover Covid-19 debt repayments and maintain spending without increasing national contributions.
Podcast discusses upcoming European Parliament vote on EU's next long-term budget with lawmakers pushing for increased funding amid country opposition. The College of Commissioners meets in Strasbourg to discuss legislative drafting efficiency, with critics warning of weakened safeguards. The Commission's new age verification app to protect minors from adult content faces rollout issues. Listener reactions to Sunday shopping debate in Brussels are heated.
The health committee wants dedicated funding for public health programs, as well as for pharma, digital and military health — but it only has limited influence.
Leaders are jetting in to Cyprus. They won't be partying, but discussing the Middle East and the EU budget.
The European Council president wants to use a narrow window of opportunity to strike a deal by the end of 2026.
