Robert Fico accuses Friedrich Merz of blackmail over EU budget

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has accused German Chancellor Friedrich Merz of blackmail following Berlin's demand to link financial aid for Ukraine to negotiations for the European Union's long-term budget.

In a letter to European Council President Antonio Costa, Merz proposed that all EU member states contribute to financing Ukraine, noting a projected funding gap of 70 billion euros for 2027. Merz suggested that agreements on aid for Kyiv should be a prerequisite for discussions regarding other financial matters.

Fico stated that Slovakia must resist this pressure, asserting that the nation possesses the same right to dissent and veto as the German Chancellor. Fico has consistently criticized EU military aid policies toward Ukraine and maintains positive relations with Russia.

Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babis also weighed in, warning that blocking the EU budget would simultaneously halt planned funds for Ukraine. The EU is currently negotiating its next seven-year budget, which is set to take effect in 2028.