France's Macron warns EU leaders they need budget deal before year-end, say diplomats

Macron Warns EU Leaders to Secure Next Seven-Year Budget Before Elections

EU Budget Negotiations Face Election-Driven Deadline

By Michel Rose

Macron's Warning to EU Leaders

BRUSSELS, Oct 16 (Reuters) - French President Emmanuel Macron has warned EU leaders they should agree the bloc's next long-term budget before the end of the year because elections in several countries, including France, will make a deal harder to secure, two diplomats said.

Contentious Negotiations Over the 2028-2034 Spending Plan

EU leaders met in Brussels on Thursday night to discuss the bloc's next seven-year budget, which requires unanimous approval and routinely triggers some of the EU's most contentious negotiations between net contributors and net recipients. The 2028-2034 spending plan is no exception, with a special summit scheduled for late November in an effort to reach agreement.

Risks of Delaying the Budget Deal

"It's true. If you don't do it now, it will be even more difficult in 2027 and we won't be ready in 2028," a diplomat from a northern European country familiar with the discussions told Reuters.

Eastern European Perspective on the Timeline

An eastern European diplomat, confirming the French warning, said the end of December was not a hard deadline, but negotiations should not drag much beyond the first few months of 2027.

Impact of Upcoming Elections on Budget Talks

France's Presidential Election and Far-Right Influence

The urgency reflects a crowded election calendar across Europe next year, including a presidential election in France in April and May that could propel far-right leader Marine Le Pen to power. She has pledged to cut France's contribution to the EU budget and has urged EU leaders not to strike a deal before the French vote.

Other Key EU Member States Facing Elections

Asked about Le Pen's criticism, French officials noted that France was far from the only country heading to the polls next year. Poland, Slovakia, Italy, Greece and Finland are also due to hold elections.

(Reporting by Michel Rose and Philip Blenkinsop; Editing by Alex Richardson)