Northern EU states push for bigger cuts to EU budget than Cyprus plan
Wealthier northern EU countries are demanding much larger cuts to the €2 trillion multiannual EU budget for 2028–2034 than Cyprus's 2% proposal, sparking a split with southern/eastern members who back maintaining or increasing spending on agriculture and regional subsidies. With a December budget deal and Ireland taking the presidency, negotiators are racing to find a landing zone ahead of a summit while Cyprus shields farmers’ subsidies and shields funds for competitiveness and regional programs.