Emmanuel Macron, the President of France, warned his counterparts in the European Union that they must reach an agreement on the Union's seven-year budget by the end of this year, as it will be politically difficult after that. This warning was issued to increase pressure on member countries to overcome significant disagreements they will face in the coming weeks.
Closed Dialogue and Election Concerns
Macron stated in a closed dialogue held on Thursday that he cannot sign an agreement close to the French presidential election in April 2027. One of the diplomats present at the meeting said, "Macron said that from January onwards, there will be no political space to finalize the agreement."
The 27 EU countries have differing opinions on the total budget size for 2028-2034. Leaders gathered in Brussels are discussing the Irish proposal, which anticipates a reduction of €159 billion in current prices compared to the nearly €2 trillion proposal from the Commission.
Pressure on Agreements and Upcoming Elections
Antonio Costa, the President of the European Council, is trying to urge leaders to finalize negotiations at the December meeting before elections in France, Italy, and Poland in 2027 could disrupt the talks. However, some governments and EU officials view this timing as unrealistic.
One EU diplomat described Macron's reaction as "a threat to support Costa in the December deadline," adding, "The EU will be unmanageable if we want to consider all local elections."
Marine Le Pen, the far-right leader of France, who is leading in the polls and aims to succeed Macron, has promised to halve France's contribution to the EU budget if she comes to power.
At a press conference in Brussels on Wednesday, she accused the EU of rushing negotiations to prevent the future French leader from influencing the talks. Several leaders have refrained from accepting the year-end deadline, fearing that time pressure will harm their negotiating ability.
Giorgia Meloni, the Prime Minister of Italy, told her country's parliament on Wednesday, "We will not sign an agreement that is not in our favor just to meet a deadline. We will only agree when it is right for Italy."
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