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

French President Emmanuel Macron has warned EU leaders they must agree the bloc’s next long-term budget before the end of the year, diplomats told Reuters. The urgency comes because elections in several countries, including France, will make a deal harder to secure. EU leaders met in Brussels on Thursday night to discuss the next seven-year budget, which requires unanimous approval and is expected to spark contentious negotiations between net contributors and net recipients. The planned spending period, covering 2028-2034, includes a special summit scheduled for late November to try to finalize terms. A northern European diplomat said delaying would worsen matters in 2027, leaving uncertainty for readiness in 2028.