https://www.live-feeds.com/feed/eu-budget-must-bankroll-europe-s-independence-von-der-leyen-saysContinuously updated, source-cited coverage. https://www.live-feeds.com/feed/eu-budget-must-bankroll-europe-s-independence-von-der-leyen-sayshttps://www.live-feeds.com/feed/eu-budget-must-bankroll-europe-s-independence-von-der-leyen-says#u51869Sun, 30 Aug 2026 00:46:09 +0000European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen argues the EU budget must fund Europe's independence, while Germany leads a coalition of net contributors seeking massive spending reductions. Six net contributors are demanding cuts totaling hundreds of billions in the bloc's long-term budget. Specifically, Germany is advocating for reductions in the hundred billion range. This creates a direct conflict between the Commission's strategic investment goals and the fiscal austerity demanded by the EU's primary financial backers.Why it mattersThe long-term budget determines ho