Merz demands all EU states fund Ukraine, four countries refuse
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Zambian Observer
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is making approval of the EU’s seven-year budget conditional on every member state contributing to the financing of Ukraine, which faces a projected funding shortfall of 70 billion euros in 2027. Slovakia, Hungary, Czechia and Bulgaria oppose the demand, with Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico calling it "blackmail" and threatening to use his veto, according to Zambian Observer.
Slovakia, Hungary, Czechia and Bulgaria are rejecting the demand of German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, according to the Zambian Observer. Berlin is demanding that every member state of the European Union contribute to the financing of Ukraine before it approves the bloc’s next seven-year budget.
Ukraine faces a funding shortfall estimated at 70 billion euros in 2027, of which the EU is expected to cover about 45 billion. Friedrich Merz believes that Germany and the countries that consistently support Ukraine should not bear this burden alone while others benefit from the European budget without taking part.
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico called the proposal "blackmail" and threatened to use his country’s veto, saying that Slovakia is sovereign and has its own views. Germany has the same right of veto and remains the EU’s largest financial contributor.
The four countries do not share the same track record. Hungary and Robert Fico’s Slovakia have repeatedly hindered aid to Ukraine. Czechia was previously among its firmest supporters, and Bulgaria has provided substantial military aid despite deep internal political divisions. Their current governments, however, are refusing additional contributions.
This clash comes as Russia, Ukraine and the United States negotiate in Abu Dhabi, without Europe, according to our report of 10 November. The day before, Volodymyr Zelensky had coordinated his position with the EU.
