Czech Republic opposes EU budget cuts and seeks to retain CO2 permit revenues

EU budget negotiations Andrej Babiš António Costa emission permits EU expansion

Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babiš met with European Council President António Costa in Prague to discuss the upcoming 2028-2034 EU multiannual budget. Babiš emphasized that the new budget must not disadvantage industrialized nations or weaker economies, stressing the need for balance across the Union.

Babiš expressed strong opposition to proposed cuts in agricultural and cohesion funds, calling them “unacceptable.” While supporting increased spending on defense and technological investments, he argued these should not come at the expense of regional development.

Additionally, the Czech government is advocating for the retention of CO2 emission permit revenues within individual member states to support their own energy transitions and economic competitiveness. As an alternative funding source for the EU, Babiš suggested increasing revenues from customs duties.

Regarding EU expansion, Babiš reiterated support for the integration of Western Balkan countries, specifically expressing hope that Montenegro joins the Union by 2028.

Entities

Andrej Babiš · António Costa · Czech Republic · European Council · European Union · Montenegro

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[● 4 SOURCES] EU member states should agree on the form of the 2028-2034 budget by the end of this year. francais.radio.cz · www.parlamentnilisty.cz
[● 4 SOURCES] The current EU emission permit system is too expensive and risks driving industry away. www.parlamentnilisty.cz · www.pravda.sk
[● 6 SOURCES] Cuts to agricultural and cohesion funds in the EU budget proposal are unacceptable. francais.radio.cz · www.parlamentnilisty.cz · www.pravda.sk · energetyka24.com
[● 6 SOURCES] The next EU multiannual budget must not harm weaker economies or industrialized countries. francais.radio.cz · www.parlamentnilisty.cz · www.pravda.sk · energetyka24.com
[● 6 SOURCES] The Czech Republic supports investments in defense and technology. francais.radio.cz · www.parlamentnilisty.cz · www.pravda.sk · energetyka24.com
[○ 1 SOURCE] The Czech Republic supports the expansion of the EU and hopes Montenegro joins by 2028. cnn.iprima.cz
[● 4 SOURCES] The Czech Republic wants emission permit revenues to remain with member states. www.pravda.sk · energetyka24.com
[○ 1 SOURCE] The Czech Republic supports EU expansion and hopes Montenegro joins by 2028. cnn.iprima.cz
[● 2 SOURCES] The Czech Republic suggests increasing EU budget revenue through higher customs duties. energetyka24.com · www.pravda.sk