Friedrich Merz Urges EU to Budget Ukraine Support

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz called for the European Union to fully integrate its Ukraine policy into the bloc's long-term budget during a joint press conference with Hungarian Prime Minister Peter Magyar on November 10.

Merz argued that financial support for Ukraine is a matter of collective European security and a shared responsibility of the EU rather than individual member states. He noted that negotiations for the next budget are entering a critical stage and that a common understanding on Ukraine support is a key condition for reaching an agreement, despite differing views among at least four member states.

Prime Minister Magyar responded that reaching a consensus among the 27 members would be difficult due to competing national interests. Magyar stated that Hungary opposes reductions in funding for agricultural and cohesion policies and seeks changes to member state contributions, though he maintained that Hungary would remain a constructive partner in the negotiations.