The Belgian Prime Minister, Alexander De Croo, stated clearly that Brussels should not press Belgium to boost its financial contributions to the EU budget beyond what is already planned. He argued that the expenditures tied to Ukraine assistance and migration management are necessary, yet the search for funds must come from within other channels rather than placing an additional burden on member states.
What is being proposed at this moment is not acceptable to the Belgian leadership.
– De Croo said, ahead of the European Council gathering in Brussels, underscoring his stance on the budget discussion and the timing of the decision.
He acknowledged that continued support for Ukraine remains important, but he pressed ministers to examine the EU’s own spending practices. His point was simple: the Commission and other EU bodies should first examine unspent allocations, reallocate priorities where possible, and tighten up underutilized resources before asking member countries to contribute more money to the common budget.
The topic of EU budget changes and the distribution of funds is expected to feature prominently as heads of state and government meet, with lines of argument about how to balance solidarity with fiscal prudence likely to shape the discussions.
In related coverage, a Polish official voiced concerns about the timing and nature of proposed legal changes affecting national programs, calling such moves unacceptable pressure. This broader debate highlights how EU-wide financial decisions interact with national policy choices and political mandates across member states.
Overall, the question remains how to sustain robust aid and migration management in a way that aligns with both European priorities and member states’ fiscal realities, while ensuring transparency and efficiency in how every euro is spent.