Taoiseach rejects EU budget criticism from aid groups

Taoiseach Micheál Martin dismissed criticism from aid groups regarding cuts in the Irish government's draft seven-year EU budget. The Irish government had presented a draft negotiating document during its EU Presidency last weekend, which would establish the basis for discussions among member states on the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF).

The Irish draft reduced the Global Europe fund by 17% compared to the original proposal of the European Commission. The Global Europe fund covers EU spending on international development and cooperation.

Dóchas, an Irish network of humanitarian and development organisations, expressed shock and dismay at the cut, describing it as "devastating." They argued that the cuts would be senseless at a time when global turmoil is increasing, with nearly a quarter of a billion people estimated to require humanitarian assistance according to the UN Global Humanitarian Overview of 2026.

During a Brussels meeting ahead of an EU summit focused on the budget, Martin stated that the Global Europe budget would remain significantly higher than the current seven-year budget. He assured that the humanitarian budget of €25 billion would be retained, deeming it necessary due to the immense humanitarian need.