Germany demands €400bn cut to EU budget, still faces 27% contribution hike

Germany is demanding a quarter reduction — €400 billion — in the EU's proposed budget for 2028–2035. Berlin acknowledges that even after these cuts, Germany's contribution would still rise by 27% compared to the current payment, exceeding €50 billion. Germany argues it is being asked to shoulder a disproportionately large share of the bloc's finances.