German Chancellor Merz calls for EU budget cuts during Dublin meeting

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz called for substantial cuts to the European Commission's draft budget during a joint press conference in Dublin with Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin. Merz rejected the proposed budget expansion, arguing that significantly increasing EU spending is unacceptable while member states work to consolidate national finances, stating that "the figures are not balanced."

During the same press conference, Prime Minister Martin emphasized the necessity of maintaining firm European assistance for Ukraine in the face of Russia's invasion. Martin stated that Ukrainians "deserve our unwavering support, as well as our commitment to helping them achieve a just peace."

Sources: Укрінформ.