The Irish presidency moves closer to the frugal and moves away from Spain by proposing a cut in the next EU budget of more than 140 billion

Ireland, which holds the rotating command of the European Council, has proposed a reduction of 8% compared to the figures presented by the Commission that would leave the new accounts at 1.62 trillion. But the frugal threaten to demand a bigger reduction

Ireland, which holds the rotating presidency of the European Commission, has today proposed a sharp cut in the next budget of the European Union for the period 2028-2034: 141 billion less than what was proposed by the European Commission.

The reduction, of 8%, would leave the next budget at 1,622 billion euros (1,825 billion in current prices), while the Commission's figures bring the total accounts up to 1,763 billion euros. And the items most affected by the cut proposed by Ireland are Competitiveness and Security; Cohesion, Agriculture and Borders; as well as funds for foreign policy.

The cut proposed by Ireland thus reflects the demands of frugal countries, which have already made it clear that they are going to demand a considerable reduction in accounts. In fact, it is very likely that this figure still does not satisfy them. "The Commission's proposal will have to be reduced by several hundred billion euros. All chapters will have to contribute to these savings," they stated in a letter that the German Chancellor, Friedrich Merz, sent to the Irish presidency at the end of last month; the Prime Minister of the Netherlands, Rob Jetten; the Chancellor of Austria, Christian Stocker; the Swede Ulf Kristersson; the Prime Minister of Denmark, Mette Frederiksen; and the Finnish Petteri Orpo.

The countries of the south, on the other hand, are directly opposed to the strong cuts requested by those of the north. And this rejection is so strong that it even brought together the President of the Government of Spain, Pedro Sánchez, and the Prime Minister of Italy, Giorgia Meloni. Both asked for "more ambitious" accounts, although that was, of course, before the Ceuta crisis and the application of cross-border controls.

And also before Sánchez called elections, an issue that will be transcendental for the negotiations and approval of the budget. After the different proposals, now it is the turn of the presidents and prime ministers. The intention is to close the new Multiannual Financial Framework at the last summit of the year, which will be held on December 17 and 18.