https://www.live-feeds.com/feed/six-eu-net-contributors-demand-hundreds-of-billions-in-cuts-to-bloc-s-long-term-budgetContinuously updated, source-cited coverage. https://www.live-feeds.com/feed/six-eu-net-contributors-demand-hundreds-of-billions-in-cuts-to-bloc-s-long-term-budgethttps://www.live-feeds.com/feed/six-eu-net-contributors-demand-hundreds-of-billions-in-cuts-to-bloc-s-long-term-budget#u52070Sun, 30 Aug 2026 06:15:48 +0000Six European Union net contributors are demanding budget cuts in the hundreds of billions for the bloc's long-term spending plan. Germany is leading this effort, with Friedrich Merz actively courting other frugal nations to reduce expenditures. This push for austerity contrasts with the position of European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, who argues that the EU budget is necessary to fund the independence of Europe. The dispute centers on the scale of financial commitments required for the next long-term budget cycle.Why it mattersNet contributors are member states that pay mor