LOOMING ELECTIONS PLACE BURDEN ON IRELAND TO FIND EU BUDGET COMPROMISE

What happened: Ireland's EU presidency is brokering a deal on the EU budget for 2028-2034, and its first compromise draft drew widespread rejection. A further round of proposals is expected before year end. Key numbers: Budget talks cover 2028-2034. The EU budget is about 1.1 per cent of national income, versus national budgets averaging 45 per cent. Why it matters: The Bruegel think tank suggests Ireland propose a slightly larger budget that cuts agriculture and cohesion funds to win support from frugal states. Delayed agreement risks a worse outcome as political winds shift in France.

Ireland's EU presidency is brokering a deal on the EU budget for 2028-2034, and its first compromise draft drew widespread rejection. A further round of proposals is expected before year end.

The Bruegel think tank suggests Ireland propose a slightly larger budget that cuts agriculture and cohesion funds to win support from frugal states. Delayed agreement risks a worse outcome as political winds shift in France.