In brief

• Péter Magyar rejects the current EU draft budget for 2028–2034, fearing that Hungary would become a large net payer.
• Merz demands that funding for Ukraine be included in the EU budget and announces changes to the draft.
• The Czech Republic and Slovakia reject Merz's demands, and Fico calls them blackmail.

Hungary opposes the budget draft

Péter Magyar considered the current version of the Union's multiannual budget draft for 2028–2034 unacceptable. In his view, Hungary would be among the largest net payers per capita, which cannot be reconciled with its dependence on cohesion funds (Maďarsko ako čistý platiteľ. Magyar v Berlíne odmietol súčasnú podobu návrhu rozpočtu EÚ – HNonline.sk). He presented this position on Tuesday in Berlin, after talks with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz (Merz trvá na financovaní Ukrajiny z rozpočtu EÚ, Magyar odmieta spájať tému s novým rozpočtom – HNonline.sk).

The Hungarian prime minister speaks of national interest

Magyar stressed that his country's interest lies in maintaining funds for agricultural and cohesion policy. He also rejected linking the seven-year budget, which finances European farmers, students and businesses, with other issues. He announced, however, that Hungary would be a constructive partner in the negotiations.

Merz demands funding for Ukraine

Chancellor Merz reiterated that support for Ukraine should be fully included in the European budget. In his view, the new draft requires significant changes, and the budget should prioritize defence and competitiveness. Without an agreement on funding for Ukraine, the negotiations will not be concluded in the near future. He expects European Council President António Costa to present a proposal with clear changes (Podpora Ukrajiny je vecou kolektívnej bezpečnosti a úlohou všetkých v EÚ, vyhlásil Merz – HNonline.sk).

Dispute over support for Ukraine in the EU

The Financial Times reported that in a letter to Costa, Merz demanded that all EU states commit to covering the deficit of Ukraine's budget next year. Otherwise, Berlin would block negotiations on the multiannual financial framework. The prime ministers of the Czech Republic and Slovakia, Andrej Babiš and Robert Fico, rejected these demands. Fico called Merz's approach blackmail and stated that Slovakia has the same right of veto.

Further developments

After the talks, Merz and Magyar announced a joint German-Hungarian culture year to be organized in 2028. The leaders also agreed to strengthen cooperation in energy. Berlin offered Budapest its experience with LNG terminals and renewable energy sources.

Read also

• Merz grozi zablokowaniem budżetu UE, jeśli państwa nie sfinansują Ukrainy