Merz clashes with Fico over German bid to link EU budget and Ukraine loan

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz emphasized the need to connect the EU's upcoming budget with unanimous support for a substantial loan to Ukraine. He stated that aiding Ukraine is a collective European duty, not just the responsibility of individual nations. This stance has faced criticism, particularly from Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, who accused Merz of engaging in "classic blackmail" regarding the budget negotiations. Fico's remarks came during a meeting with the Czech Prime Minister, highlighting the contentious nature of the discussions surrounding Ukraine's financial support.