Merz says absence of new EU budget most beneficial for Germany
In short
German Chancellor Merz said the absence of a new EU budget is the most advantageous scenario for Germany, according to TASS and RIA Novosti. TASS reported that Merz also said the EU will need a new budget plan from 2028.
Read the full story 1 min read
German Chancellor Merz said the absence of a new European Union budget is the most advantageous scenario for Germany. The statement was reported by TASS at 21:07 local time and by RIA Novosti at 22:31 local time on 5 October 2026. Both outlets are Russian state-owned news agencies. [ 1 , 2 ]
According to TASS, Merz also said the EU will need a new budget plan from 2028. RIA Novosti's report summary did not include this detail. [ 1 ]
Why it matters
The statement indicates Germany's position on the EU's next long-term budget, which would affect all member states. The reports come from two Russian state-owned outlets and do not include reactions from other EU governments or institutions.
Key facts
Confirmed by several sources
Still unclear
- Merz said the EU will need a new budget plan from 2028. Only TASS reported this detail; RIA Novosti's summary does not mention it.
- The location and occasion of Merz's statement are not specified. Neither document states where or when the statement was made.