Germany, the biggest financially contributing member state of the European Union, has reportedly called for a 400-billion-euro ($455-billion) cut to the bloc's budget plan for the period 2028-2034, calling the current version "unaffordable".
The budget plan, known as the Multiannual Financial Framework, can only be passed if all 27 member states agree to it, so any one of them objecting would be a stumbling block, but it is an even graver challenge when it comes from such a heavyweight.
The figure for the next budgetary period is 2 trillion euros, and even if Germany's request was accepted, the revised figure would still be 27 percent higher than the current budget.
Next year, major elections will be taking place in France, Italy, and Poland, so financial security being established in advance of events that could potentially have transformational consequences for the continent is a priority.
The 2-trillion-euro budget was proposed by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in July last year, and contained new spending pledges on defense and economic competitiveness, as well as reforms on regional development and farming.
