World
Friedrich Merz calls for massive cuts to the European Union’s next budget
Friedrich Merz called on the European Union on Tuesday to cut several hundred billion euros from its 2028–2034 budget and accelerate economic reforms. According to Le Temps, the German leader made the demand in Dublin after meeting Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin. The European Commission proposed a €2 trillion package last year, notably to fund defence, the green transition and competitiveness. Martin said Dublin would consider Germany’s concerns and seek compromises. He hopes an agreement can be reached by the end of the year. Merz is open to discussing new EU revenue sources but rules out a new corporate tax.