EU budget talks accelerate as Bardella threatens France’s EU contribution
Germany urged EU partners to clinch a long-term budget deal for 2028-2034 by year-end after French far-right leader Jordan Bardella vowed to halve France’s EU contribution, reviving Frexit concerns; ECB President Christine Lagarde warned against separatist ambitions in a separate interview, as EU ministers in Luxembourg push for urgency while negotiating the MFF amid political tensions.