New EU Budget Proposal Cuts Integration Aid, Maintains Ukraine Support

A compromise proposal for the EU's 2028-2034 budget, put forth by the Irish Council Presidency, suggests an 8% cut to the overall volume, reducing funds for EU candidate countries by over 10% while keeping dedicated support for Ukraine relatively unchanged at 88.87 billion euros ($99.55 billion). The proposal aims to appease 'frugal' member states and is a crucial step in negotiations before the budget is finalized by the end of 2026.