No money for Ukraine and EU budget cuts: What could a Le Pen victory mean for the EU?

Live updates

1. 2h ago

   Le Pen Pledge to Cut Ukraine Aid Sparks Clash with Macron

   French far-right leader Marine Le Pen has pledged to halt bilateral military and financial assistance to Ukraine within six months if she wins the upcoming presidential election, casting doubt on future European Union funding. President Emmanuel Macron has pushed back against these proposals, warning that ending aid to Ukraine would jeopardize French security. The potential shift in French leadership threatens to disrupt upcoming negotiations over the European Union budget and strain long-term European strategy toward Russia.

   Why it matters

   France heads toward a presidential election in April and May, marking the final months of Emmanuel Macron's tenure as he is term-limited. The European Commission has proposed a nearly two trillion euro Multiannual Financial Framework for 2028 through 2034, which includes up to one hundred billion euros dedicated to Ukraine. A far-right victory could introduce significant obstacles to these budget negotiations and European unity.

   What is confirmed

   • Marine Le Pen has threatened to block the European Union's 2028 to 2034 budget and end bilateral military assistance to Ukraine.
   • Emmanuel Macron told Marine Le Pen to stay humble ahead of the French vote and warned that ending aid to Ukraine jeopardizes French security.
   • France heads to the polls in April and May.

   Still unconfirmed

   • Marine Le Pen is opposed to Ukraine joining the European Union.

   What to watch next

   • The official campaign developments and candidate policy releases leading up to the French presidential elections in April and May.
   • Progress on the European Union 2028-2034 budget negotiations and the dedicated Ukraine support mechanism.
   Sources used for this update (13)

   1. Yahoo — Zelensky Responds To Le Pen's Pledge To Cut Ukraine Aid
   2. Le Monde.fr — Macron tells Le Pen to 'stay humble' ahead of French vote
   3. Euronews.com — No Ukraine aid and EU budget cuts: What does Le Pen mean for the EU?
   4. Ukrinform — Macron responds to Le Pen: Ending aid to Ukraine would jeopardize France’s security
   5. Financial Times — Le Pen casts doubt on future EU funding for Ukraine
   6. jen.jiji.com — Home, Baccarini (Confassociazioni Real Estate): "Priority to increase housing supply"
   7. jen.jiji.com — Home, Lupoi (Oice): "Urban regeneration, a common voice is needed"
   8. lansinginstitute.org — Marine Le Pen as a Potential Instrument for Blocking European ...
   9. united24media.com — Le Pen Says France “Can’t Do More” for Ukraine, Questions ...
   10. www.ecostylia.com — Marine Le Pen’s 2027 plan to end French support for Ukraine
   11. unn.ua — "We can no longer do this": Le Pen opposes further financial ...
   12. www.kyivpost.com — Le Pen Looms Large as Macron Enters Final Months on EU Stage
   confidence 90%