PoliticsSlovakian PM accuses Merz of ‘blackmail’ over Ukraine aid and EU budget

Friedrich Merz has indicated he will block the EU’s seven-year budget unless leaders agree on financial aid for Ukraine. Slovakia’s Robert Fico called the move “typical blackmail,” while Czech prime minister Andrej Babiš also opposed joining a future Ukraine loan, raising tensions ahead of budget talks.

EU budgetUkraine aidFriedrich MerzRobert Fico

TThe Guardian★★★★☆2026-11-10 16:44Original