The key facts

  • Robert Fico believes agreeing on the EU budget for the next seven years will be difficult
  • Large net-payer countries cite domestic problems, while smaller ones point to preserving regional and agricultural policy
  • It was previously reported that there are disagreements over €70 billion for Ukraine and that Hungary, Slovakia, the Czech Republic and Bulgaria refused to take on a new loan

Fico's statement

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico said on the TA3 television channelthat European Union members will find it difficult to agree on the bloc's budget for the next seven years. According to him, large net-payer countries refuse to contribute the required sums due to problems within their own countries, while 'small countries say that the policy of eliminating regional disparities and the common agricultural policy must continue' (Gazeta.Ru).

The dispute over money for Ukraine

The Slovak prime minister's statement adds to the picture of disagreements within the EU that media had previously reported: the bloc needs to find an additional €70 billion for Ukraine, and a multiannual budget for 2028–2034 has so far failed to be agreed. Countries advocating strict budget discipline are increasingly linking negotiations on the next financial framework to the question of allocating funds to Kyiv. Hungary, Slovakia, the Czech Republic and Bulgaria have ruled out taking on the burden of another loan; according to media forecasts, the number of countries opposing support for Ukraine will grow next year.

Context

Thus, Fico's position is consistent with Bratislava's previously described line: Slovakia is not ready for new credit obligations, but, judging by his words, is interested in preserving the policy of leveling regional disparities and the common agricultural policy — the two budget lines on which recipients of funds from less affluent regions depend. Separately, Zelensky previously said how much money the US owes Ukraine; these statements run parallel to the budget dispute and are not directly connected to it.