French President Emmanuel Macron has told European Union leaders that they need to reach a deal on the bloc’s next long-term budget by the end of the year, warning that upcoming elections in several countries, France among them, will make an agreement harder to reach, according to two diplomats.
EU leaders met in Brussels on Thursday night to discuss the seven-year budget for 2028 to 2034. Because the budget must be approved unanimously, it typically sets off some of the EU’s most bitter negotiations, pitting countries that pay more into the EU than they receive against those that get more back. This round is no different, and a special summit has been set for late November to try to strike a deal.
A diplomat from a northern European country who is familiar with the talks confirmed Macron’s warning, saying that if leaders don’t act now, a deal will be even harder in 2027 and the EU won’t be ready when the new budget period begins in 2028.
A diplomat from eastern Europe also confirmed the French message. The diplomat said the end of December is not a firm deadline, but talks should not stretch far past the first few months of 2027.
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A Packed Election Calendar
The sense of urgency stems from a busy year of elections across Europe in 2027. That includes France’s presidential election in April and May, which could bring far-right leader Marine Le Pen to power. Le Pen has promised to reduce France’s payments into the EU budget and has called on EU leaders to hold off on any deal until after the French vote.
Responding to Le Pen’s criticism, French officials pointed out that France is not the only country with elections next year. Poland, Slovakia, Italy, Greece, and Finland are also scheduled to go to the polls.