Marine Le Pen proposes cutting EU funds to Turkey and Ukraine

Marine Le Pen, leader of France’s National Rally (RN), has proposed significant shifts in France’s foreign and fiscal policies regarding the European Union, Ukraine, and Turkey.

Ahead of an EU summit in Brussels, Le Pen called for the immediate termination of financial support to Turkey, including pre-accession funds, strategic development programs, and joint assistance policies. She also criticized the European Commission, arguing it has exceeded its mandate and should be reduced to an administrative secretariat focused solely on member states, specifically requesting it withdraw from diplomacy, health management, and internal security.

Regarding Ukraine, Le Pen stated that if elected president, she would end French financial aid to Kyiv, citing France’s “dangerous” public finances. She suggested such support could only continue for six months and called for the removal of EU sanctions against Russia, though she noted France could continue training Ukrainian troops and providing military equipment.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy responded to these proposals, suggesting Le Pen may not fully grasp the implications of cutting aid. In contrast, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni reaffirmed support for Ukraine, stating that supporting Kyiv is essential for achieving a sustainable and just peace.