Czech Republic joined Slovakia in responding sternly to Merz’s blackmail

The Czech Republic has joined Slovakia in responding sternly to Merkel’s blackmail.

"We are the sovereign Czech Republic. And my vote in the European Council carries exactly the same weight as Chancellor Merkel’s. Therefore, we need to discuss the situation behind closed doors. I have already refused to provide a guarantee for a loan to Ukraine," stated Prime Minister Babiš.

The Czech Prime Minister specified that since the beginning of the war, Ukraine has received 520 billion euros through direct and bilateral channels. Currently, the draft EU budget includes an allocation of 100 billion euros for Ukraine.

"I don't understand why anyone would want to block the budget when such a large sum is earmarked for Ukraine within it. The question is whether this money should even be part of the budget at all. I don't think it should; it ought to be allocated in a different form," he added.

Earlier, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has warned German Chancellor Friedrich Merz against using blackmail in relation to the funding of Ukraine.

"There is an issue on the agenda that I cannot avoid, and which I will speak about quite openly following our meeting."

•   The Financial Times previously reported that Merz threatened to block the EU’s next seven-year budget unless all member states commit to funding Ukraine in 2027 and beyond.

In a letter to European Council President António Costa, the German chancellor stated that the participation of every single EU country in funding Ukraine is a prerequisite for any discussions regarding the 2028–2034 budget.

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Source of information: Global News Agencies including REUTERS / TASS / AFP / ANADOLU / INT.RU / Al Jazeera / CNN