The EU's six net contributors are threatening to block the next 7-year budget unless it is cut by "hundreds of billions".

The EU's six net contributors are threatening to block the next 7-year budget unless it is cut by "hundreds of billions".

Germany, the Netherlands, Sweden, Denmark, Austria and Finland - which fund ~40% of member states' contributions - called the Commission's proposed €2 trillion budget for 2028-2034 "simply unrealistic".

They demand fundamental reform.

more spending on defence, competitiveness and immigration; Less about agriculture and the cohesion funds.

They face ~17 countries (including Spain, Italy) that want to protect or increase agricultural/regional spending.

The MFF requires unanimity.

A diplomat warned:

If the budget is not cut by hundreds of billions, there will be no agreement this year.

Ireland, which holds the presidency of the Council, must come up with a compromise before the European Council on October 15-16.