Germany urges realistic approach in EU budget talks, slams Council President Costa

Germany’s senior official, Gunther Krichbaum, criticised Council President Antonio Costa for advocating additional EU taxes as a solution to the upcoming seven-year budget framework. Speaking before a Brussels ministers’ gathering, Krichbaum described Costa’s recent interview as unhelpful and demanded a more realistic stance. Costa, after touring EU capitals, said that “own resources” would prevent large cuts to spending.

He also noted that the European Commission’s proposal could face opposition from several member states. Germany and its northern allies, who are net contributors, argue for trimming the budget by hundreds of billions rather than creating new taxes. The negotiations are taking place under the Irish Council presidency, which will soon release a negotiating document asking ministers to clarify possible compromises.