EU Budget Faces Backlash Over Defense, Farm Cuts

The European Commission has proposed a €2 trillion budget for 2028-2034, focusing on increased defense spending, economic competitiveness, digital technologies, and robust support for Ukraine’s reconstruction. President Ursula von der Leyen described it as the EU’s 'most ambitious' budget, but the plan has faced immediate opposition from key member states, with Germany rejecting it over budgetary concerns and Hungary criticizing the increased funding for Ukraine at the expense of farmers. The proposal reduces agriculture funding from €387 billion to €300 billion, provoking protests from farmers and Green politicians, who also object to the merging of agricultural and regional funds and the elimination of dedicated nature protection programs. A €451 billion competitiveness fund and €131 billion for defense and space are included, alongside new EU-wide taxes on large corporations, tobacco, and electronic waste. Approval of the budget requires unanimous agreement from all 27 EU member states and the European Parliament, but the rollout has exposed deep divisions within the bloc. The contentious proposal highlights von der Leyen's fragile political support and signals a potentially lengthy negotiation process.