European Council President Antonio Costa rejected Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s request to move Ukraine financing discussions to the upcoming Dublin summit. In a letter seen by the Kyiv Independent on Nov. 10, Costa confirmed that the issue remains scheduled for the second special European Council meeting in Brussels on Nov. 26 – 27. This decision prioritizes the bloc’s next seven-year budget over immediate debt relief for Kyiv. The timing creates tension as member states struggle to agree on how to cover the projected shortfall.
The financial gap and political friction
Ukraine faces an estimated budget shortfall of 70 billion euros in 2027, with the EU expected to cover approximately 45 billion euros of that amount. Merz argued in his Nov. 9 letter that providing financial support is a shared responsibility, complaining that bilateral assistance falls unfairly on a small number of members. He urged Costa to prioritize the funding at the Nov. 13 summit in Dublin, but Costa’s response indicates plans only to "make time for a broad discussion" there. The financing talks themselves remain unchanged for late November.
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has called Merz’s approach "blackmail," reflecting deep divisions within the bloc. Slovakia, Czechia, Hungary, and Bulgaria have pushed back against Germany’s demand that all members share the burden equally. These four nations resist additional contributions, leaving the EU without a consensus on how to finance its share of the projected shortfall. The disagreement highlights a structural problem where wealthier nations bear disproportionate costs while others refuse to participate.
The special council on Nov. 26 – 27 will also address the multiannual financial framework covering 2028 – 2034. The European Commission must submit a proposal on Ukraine’s financing before this meeting takes place. Until then, the lack of agreement stalls progress on closing the massive fiscal gap. Member states continue to debate the mechanics of repayment and contribution levels. The delay forces Kyiv to wait for clarity on critical funds needed for next year’s operations.
