EU DIVIDE: Sweden Rejects €1.62 Trillion Spending Plan Over 60% Contribution Hike | Times Now World

European Union leaders met in Brussels on Thursday to discuss the bloc's proposed 2028-2034 long-term budget and continued support for Ukraine, amid divisions over spending priorities, national contributions and financing. Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson rejected the current proposal, saying it was too expensive and would increase Sweden's net contribution by about 60%. Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten also called for the proposed Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) to be reduced and modernised, saying the current plan was not sufficient to secure an agreement. Latvia's Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs stressed the need for a stronger economic foundation to sustain European defence, highlighting the pressure on eastern-flank countries that face security threats while increasing military spending. The budget, which covers agriculture, regional development, security and other EU priorities, is financed mainly through contributions from member states and other revenue sources. Negotiations are expected to continue as governments seek a compromise ahead of the 2028 spending period. Missing the end-of-year deadline would not immediately halt funding, but delays could complicate the adoption of spending legislation needed for programmes to begin in January 2028. #eusummit #eubudget #europeanunion #brussels #euleaders #sweden #latvia #netherlands #ukraine #ukraineaid #europeandefence #defencespending #mff #europanpolitics #ulfkristersson #robjetten #andriskulbergs #eufunding #europesecurity #budgetbattle #breakingnews #internationalnews #worldnews #geopolitics #timesnowworld In this Times Now World News report, we break down the this topic: Stay connected with Times Now World for real-time global news and analysis: Read full coverage: https://www.timesnownews.com/world Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/timesnow.world Follow us on X: https://x.com/TimesNow_World #timesnowworld #worldnews #breakingnews