Macron warns EU leaders they must agree budget by year-end

French President Emmanuel Macron has warned European Union leaders that the bloc's long-term budget needs to be agreed by the end of the year, according to the headline of a Politico Europe report. The source material does not give details of his warning.

Dispute over the deadline

European Council President António Costa is pushing for a deal in 2026. A Politico Europe report from 14 October said Italy and France were resisting that push, weakening the end-of-year deadline.

The Irish proposal

Ireland currently holds the Council presidency, and its presidency has put forward a budget proposal cut by €159 billion. The reductions hit competitiveness and development aid, while agriculture and regional funds are spared.

Germany has said the €159 billion in cuts is not enough. Frugal countries, which favour tighter spending, have said an agreement by the end of the year looks less likely after the Irish proposal. The European Commission, the EU's executive arm, has warned that Dublin's changes overwhelmingly hit Commission priorities such as competitiveness and flexibility, and that this weakens the EU.

The budget talks therefore continue with member states holding differing positions on both the size of the budget and when a deal should be reached.