🇩🇪 🇺🇦 German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has threatened to block the EU’s 2028–2034 budget unless all member states agree to help finance Ukraine in 2027 and beyond. Kiev faces a €70bn funding gap next year, with the EU pledging to cover about €45bn. Hungary, Slovakia, Bulgaria and the Czech Republic have signalled opposition to further contributions. Berlin also wants future Ukraine funding decisions to require a qualified majority rather than unanimity, reducing the risk of vetoes. 🔴@DDGeopolitics