EU leaders open contentious talks on long-term budget, aiming for deal by Christmas

EU leaders met on Thursday for talks on the European Union's next long-term budget. France 24 and the South China Morning Post both describe the talks as contentious.

The 27-nation bloc wants a budget agreement by Christmas. Both outlets report that the push comes amid concern that eurosceptic election wins across the bloc next year could derail future dealmaking. They describe France as the most crucial case. France will hold a presidential election next year, and leaders are seeking a deal before it.

What else is reported

The South China Morning Post reports that the talks are taking place in Brussels. Its headline describes the budget as a trillion-euro budget. The reports reviewed by Vocemundi do not give a more precise figure or the period the budget would cover.

According to the South China Morning Post, the summit reached an initial impasse. The outlet reports that Germany is leading fiscal hardliners who oppose calls for fresh spending. The reports do not say which member states are calling for new spending or what it would cover. They also do not identify which other countries are among the hardliners.

The South China Morning Post also reports that a final summit meeting on the budget is set for December. It says the French election takes place in 2027. It also reports that far-right leader Marine Le Pen is favoured in opinion polls ahead of that vote. The reports do not name the polls or give their figures.

What each side says

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz told reporters as he arrived at the summit: "We are facing very, very difficult negotiations," according to the South China Morning Post. The outlet quoted him as saying leaders were "still very far apart". Merz suggested that leaders prepare for a long final summit meeting in December. The outlet quoted him as saying they should "pack a few extra shirts".

The reports do not quote any other leader. They do not quote anyone from the side seeking more spending. They do not include any official statement or document from EU institutions on the budget proposal or the Christmas target. They also do not describe the outcome of Thursday's talks.

About the sources

France 24 and the South China Morning Post are separate outlets. Neither credits a wire agency. However, the two use near-identical wording in places. This suggests they may draw on a common uncredited report, so their accounts may be less independent than they appear.

Analysis

The timing of the talks links budget negotiations to the political calendar. If leaders reach a deal by Christmas, the budget would be settled before next year's elections. If talks extend beyond that, new governments could shape the outcome. According to the reports, this concern is behind the push for speed. The reported divide between fiscal hardliners and those seeking fresh spending is the main obstacle described. However, the reports give little detail on either camp beyond Germany's role. A long December summit, as Merz suggested, is one possible scenario. A compromise or further delay are others. The reports reviewed do not indicate which is more likely.

Produced by the Vocemundi newsroom with AI assistance.