Governments brace for €100B cut to EU budget proposal
The Irish presidency is expected to slash the Commission’s near-€2 trillion proposal as capitals remain deeply divided over spending.
EU governments are preparing for a proposed €100 billion cut in the bloc's next long-term budget, according to four EU diplomats close to the negotiations. Some nations, including those in the "Friends of Cohesion" group, are concerned that funding for popular projects such as farmers' subsidies and regional payouts will be reduced under the Irish-led negotiations.
With less than three months remaining until a deadline for negotiations, progress has remained stagnant. Germany and its cost-cutting allies have pushed for significant reductions of hundreds of billions of euros in the European Commission's original €2 trillion proposal. In response, the 17-country group has drafted a joint statement warning against potential cuts and advocating for a larger budget.
Ireland, as the neutral broker in the talks, has not disclosed its stance, stating they have not yet discussed cuts or increases. The European Parliament's independent budget negotiations are also facing delays due to internal power struggles and the looming European elections in 2027, which could disrupt the talks. The Parliament aims to finalize its position by November 2025, giving governments a head start for 2027 negotiations.
Meanwhile, France's National Rally party, which seeks to halve its contribution to the EU budget, leads the polls ahead of the French elections.
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