Germany’s push for more European aid for Ukraine is triggering a backlash. In this episode of Berlin Briefing, DW’s Chief Political Editor Michaela Küfner discusses charges of “blackmail” against Chancellor Friedrich Merz by Slovak PM Fico, together with Nina Haase, DW’s Chief Political Correspondent, Max Hofmann, Head of DW Berlin Bureau, and Teri Schultz, DW Correspondent in Brussels.
They unpack the battle over the EU’s next seven-year budget, and why the debate reveals deeper divisions over Ukraine, defense spending, and Europe’s future security.
Is Chancellor Merz stepping into a much-needed leadership role in Europe, or is Berlin just throwing its weight around?
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More info regarding support for Ukraine:
Ukraine Support Tracker – A Database of Military, Financial and Humanitarian Aid to Ukraine
Germany: https://www.bundesregierung.de/resource/blob/975228/2423058/638f561df075bd77954cdcf309270231/2026-04-24-ukraine-unterstuetzung-data.pdf?download=1
Multiannual financial framework:
https://www.europarl.europa.eu/factsheets/en/sheet/29/multiannual-financial-framework
https://commission.europa.eu/strategy-and-policy/eu-budget/long-term-eu-budget/eu-budget-2028-2034_en
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