BERLIN, Oct. 17 (Xinhua) -- German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on Friday called for financial restraint in negotiations over the European Union's next long-term budget, stressing that limited resources must be focused on defense and competitiveness.
At a press conference after a two-day EU summit in Brussels, Merz voiced strong opposition to proposals that could see the post-2028 Multiannual Financial Framework expand by around 50 percent.
Such an increase is not financially viable, he said, calling for significant spending reductions compared with the European Commission's proposals.
His comments followed a statement he posted on social media Thursday, in which he said EU funds are constrained and urged clear prioritization.
"We must invest where Europe's future is decided: in defense and competitiveness," he said.
Germany and other net contributors to the EU budget have been calling for more cuts to the bloc's next long-term budget. ■