Sánchez rejects EU budget proposal, calling it 'insufficient'

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez on Thursday rejected the European Union's proposed budget for 2028-2034, calling it "insufficient" and lacking ambition. He argued that the proposal, put forward by the Cypriot EU presidency, was even less ambitious than the European Commission's initial plan.

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We are very far from an agreement.

Sánchez voiced particular concern over the budget's impact on competitiveness and other policies where Europe could make a difference, such as responding to humanitarian crises. While he did not oppose increased spending on defense and security, he insisted it should not come at the expense of other crucial areas. "We are very far from an agreement," Sánchez stated, expressing skepticism but also a desire to reach a consensus by year-end.

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even more insufficient than the previous one.

In addition to the budget, Sánchez reaffirmed Spain's rejection of the European Parliament's approved migration return policy. He criticized it as an "absolutely ineffective" waste of economic resources and a reputational issue that sends the wrong message about European values. He advocated for pragmatic relations with China, emphasizing the need for friends and bridges rather than engaging in a trade war that would not benefit the EU.

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absolutely ineffective

The Prime Minister also reiterated Spain's full support for Ukraine and welcomed the US-Iran agreement to end their conflict, seeing it as validation of his government's stance since the war began. Sánchez made these remarks while participating in the European Council meeting in Brussels.

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Solidarity is not a one-way street.