Friedrich Merz of the CDU stated at the European Council in Brussels on Friday that he intends to drastically reduce the European Union’s medium-term financial framework beginning in 2028. Referring to the proposal currently on the table, Merz argued that it is “significantly too high,” stressing that the figures must be lowered and that the EU needs discussions focused on its revenue streams. He emphasized the principle that “we can only spend as much as we have,” and reiterated his plea during the Council that the EU must avoid taking on further debt. Merz declared that Germany’s position on the matter is “very clear,” a stance which he said is shared by a number of other EU member states. While acknowledging that his group does not represent the majority, he pointed out that unanimity is required and, therefore, he hoped that the highly controversial issue could be discussed in the spirit of good European cooperation.
Politics
