Ireland cuts EU budget by 159 billion

The Irish presidency proposed slashing one hundred fifty-nine billion euros from the Commission's original budget proposal for twenty twenty-eight to twenty thirty-four.

Eight percent cut to appease Germany

Ireland proposed cutting around eight percent from the bloc's total budget to satisfy a German-led camp demanding major reductions to the nearly two trillion euro proposal.

Farm subsidies and regions protected

In a concession to the Friends of Cohesion, Ireland shielded farmers' subsidies and regional payouts, which account for half the total budget, from any cuts.

Cuts hit foreign aid and competitiveness

Foreign aid was cut by thirty-eight billion euros, competitiveness by seventy-five billion euros, and administrative costs by ten billion euros. Ireland also scrapped the EU Facility cushion.

Ireland defends balanced compromise

Thomas Byrne, Ireland's Minister of State for European Affairs, said the proposal protected traditional policies while looking to the future and balancing all twenty-seven countries.

“We protected the traditional policies of the Union, which are very important for the European Union and the single market. But we also very much look to the future.”

Frugal states call it a disappointment

An EU diplomat said the Irish proposal is not close to a landing zone and fails to prepare the EU for the twenty-first century by favouring twentieth century policies.

“The Irish proposal is a disappointment and not even close to a landing zone.”

Parliament threatens to reject budget

The European People's Party budget negotiator Siegfried Mureșan said Parliament will not consent to the Irish proposal, calling it a weaker budget with little progress.

“Parliament is not bluffing: the budget proposed by the Irish Presidency will not receive our consent.”