Merkel's Heir Seeks Allies to Trim EU Budget: A Cautionary Tale of Frugality The German government, under Chancellor Friedrich Merz, is once again leading European Union budget negotiations.
Merz has made no secret of his desire to trim the EU's proposed seven year budget, and he is hosting a gathering of like minded leaders from net contributor countries in Berlin this week.
The ostensible aim: to push for a smaller and more modernized EU budget. Germany, as one of the largest net contributors to the EU, has long been vocal about its concerns regarding Brussels' spending.