Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico accused German Chancellor Friedrich Merz of "typical blackmail" on November 10, 2026, after Merz demanded that all EU member states contribute to new financial aid for Ukraine as a condition for approving the bloc's next long-term budget.

 

Merz accused of ‘blackmail’ by Slovak PM after demand for Ukraine aid in EU budget

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico accused German Chancellor Friedrich Merz of "typical blackmail" on November 10, 2026, after Merz demanded that all EU member states contribute to new financial aid for Ukraine as a condition for approving the bloc's next long-term budget. Fico warned that Slovakia would not give in to pressure and threatened to use its own veto power over the budget.

The Dispute

The clash centers on how to cover Ukraine's projected €70 billion financing shortfall in 2027, of which the EU has pledged to provide roughly €45 billion.

• Merz’s Ultimatum. In a letter to European Council President António Costa, Merz stated that a collective commitment "without exception" to help fund Ukraine is an "essential prerequisite" before discussing other financial matters, including the 2028–2034 Multiannual Financial Framework. As the EU's largest net contributor, Germany argues that the financial burden of supporting Ukraine is unevenly distributed and carried mostly by a few member states. [
• Fico’s Response. Speaking alongside Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babiš in Bratislava, Fico rejected the linkage as "textbook blackmail" and emphasized that Slovakia holds the same veto rights as Germany. Fico has consistently opposed military aid to Kyiv and declined to participate in the EU's previous €90 billion support loan agreed in December 2025. [1, 2]

Broader Opposition Across the Bloc

Slovakia is one of four Central and Eastern European nations pushing back against Merz's demand ahead of an informal EU leaders' summit in Dublin on November 12–13:

• Czech Republic. Prime Minister Andrej Babiš criticized Merz's threat to block the 2028–2034 budget, noting that the proposed budget already earmarks €100 billion for Ukraine. However, those funds will not be available until 2028, leaving the 2027 shortfall unresolved.
• Hungary. Prime Minister Péter Magyar opposed tying the long-term budget to new Ukraine aid during a joint press conference with Merz in Berlin, citing Hungary's budget deficit and inability to take on additional joint EU debt.
• Bulgaria. Prime Minister Rumen Radev stated that Bulgaria will seek an exemption from new credit lines for Ukraine due to high domestic deficits, though he noted Sofia would not block other EU states from proceeding and would continue assisting with energy and infrastructure.

You can read more about the standoff in reporting from The Guardian and U.S. News / Reuters