Sweden's Caretaker Government Demands Deeper EU Budget Cuts
Sweden's caretaker government is demanding deeper cuts to the EU's long-term budget. On October 10, Ireland, holding the rotating Council presidency, presented a compromise for the 2028–2034 framework that reduced the European Commission's proposal by about 141 billion euros, or 8%, to 1.622 trillion euros at constant 2025 prices. Sweden judged the reduction insufficient.
Minister for EU Affairs Jessica Rosencrantz rejected the compromise in comments reported by news agency TT, calling it still unreasonable and saying Sweden will push for further cuts because the EU needs a better budget, not a bigger one.
Sweden is not alone: Germany, Denmark, Finland, the Netherlands and Austria have also demanded substantially lower EU spending, arguing the next framework should prioritise security, defence and competitiveness while limiting growth in national contributions.
The stance raises a timing question: with a new parliament elected and Swedish government negotiations unresolved, critics ask whether an outgoing government has the democratic mandate to shape European spending until 2034.
Published by GSM · USA (original Chinese edition)
Photo: 图：Government buildings by Norrström in Stockholm Sweden 01.jpg，作者：Sinikka Halme，授权：CC BY-SA 4.0，来源：Wikimedia Commons
