Economy
Netherlands and Five Other Countries Seek Major Cuts to EU Budget

The Netherlands, Germany, Denmark, Sweden, Finland, and Austria have signed a letter demanding hundreds of billions be removed from the new EU budget, threatening to withdraw support without significant changes. The six nations, which contribute approximately 40 percent of EU revenue, argue for fundamental reform that shifts funding away from agriculture and regional aid toward defense and innovative businesses. While the European Commission proposes nearly two trillion euros in spending over seven years, these countries insist on clearer priorities. Other member states, including Spain and Italy, oppose reducing agricultural and regional subsidies. All 27 EU members must agree on the budget, with negotiations aiming for an accord covering expenditures starting in 2028.
Ozetta summarises; the reporting is the newsroom's