Slovakia's Fico threatens EU budget veto over Ukraine funding dispute
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has threatened to veto the European Union's next long-term budget, accusing German Chancellor Friedrich Merz of attempting to pressure member states into providing additional financial support for Ukraine.
Speaking alongside Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babiš in Bratislava on Tuesday, Fico rejected Slovakia's participation in a proposed funding package for Kyiv.
“I will not be blackmailed. Mr Merz knows that very well,” Fico declared, warning that he was prepared to block the EU's 2028–2034 budget if necessary.
The dispute follows a letter from Merz linking progress on the bloc's financial negotiations to an agreement on future funding for Ukraine.
Ukraine faces a projected €70 billion funding shortfall in 2027, with the EU expected to contribute approximately €45 billion. Merz has argued that all EU member states should share the financial burden of supporting Ukraine as it continues to resist Russia's invasion.
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However, Fico insisted that Slovakia would not support another €70 billion loan, describing the proposed assistance as effectively a gift to Kyiv.
Czech Prime Minister Babiš also questioned Europe's financial responsibilities, expressing concern over the continent bearing the economic consequences of the conflict.
The disagreement follows an earlier €90 billion EU loan agreement for Ukraine, from which Slovakia, the Czech Republic and Hungary secured exemptions.
This story is written and edited by the Global South World team, you can contact us here.
