German Chancellor calls on EU countries to increase support for Ukraine

Berlin, 18 Sep (KUNA) -- German Chancellor Friedrich Merz called on Friday on the governments of European Union member states to increase financial support for Ukraine in its war against Russia, deeming it necessary and urgent to enhance member states' contributions to supporting Kyiv.

This statement was made in a joint declaration signed by Merz alongside the heads of government of Denmark, the Netherlands, Austria, and Finland. The leaders clarified that these five countries, along with Sweden, currently provide approximately 70 percent of the EU's aid to Ukraine.

At the same time, Merz called for a reduction in the upcoming long-term EU budget, valued at approximately two trillion euros (2.29 trillion dollars), considering the proposed increase of nearly 60 percent to be unfeasible from both economic and political perspectives.

The leaders also rejected financing new European expenditures through increased debt or the widespread imposition of new taxes and fees, affirming that the EU budget is ultimately funded by European taxpayers.

This stance comes amid ongoing discussions within the EU regarding the scale of aid provided to Ukraine, as well as the future of the European budget and spending priorities in the coming years. (End)