On 10 November 2026, Berlin hosted a joint press conference in which German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Hungarian Prime Minister Peter Magyar delivered a united message that the European Union must weave its Ukraine policy into the bloc’s next long‑term budget.
Germany’s View
Merz, speaking on behalf of the German government, argued that future financial aid for Ukraine should be built into the EU’s budgetary framework, rather than left to ad hoc commitments by individual member states.
To achieve a binding budget agreement, Merz stressed that EU members must share a common understanding on how to support Ukraine over the coming years; he warned that any reduction in aid would endanger collective European security.
Merz noted that at least four member states have diverging viewpoints on the level and form of support, adding that those differences would need to be reconciled within the budget negotiation process.
Hungary’s View
Prime Minister Peter Magyar echoed the need for careful budget talks. He cautioned that consensus among 27 nations would be difficult because each country pursues its own interests.
Magyar emphasised that funding for traditional EU priorities, such as agricultural and cohesion policies, should not be reduced, and that adjustments ought to be made to member states’ contributions as part of the overall budget.
Hungary portrayed itself as a constructive partner in the negotiations but also declared it would not compromise on its national interests, indicating a potential sticking point in the talks.
The EU’s next long‑term budget is slated to cover the 2027–2033 period, and the discussions are entering a critical stage, according to Merz, who said embedding Ukraine support could influence the allocation of funds across all policy areas.
With the surge of integrationist demands and the reluctance of some states to alter their share of contributions, the EU faces a challenging path to align Ukraine aid with the broader fiscal agenda.
