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

https://mins.news/en/item/137651

- The Guardian, 2026-11-10 16:44 UTC
- Politics
- Original: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/nov/10/friedrich-merz-accused-blackmail-ukraine-aid-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.

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