Babiš rejects new EU budget funding sources, backs tariffs only

Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babiš has rejected plans to expand the European Union’s budget through new revenue streams, backing only tariffs on imports from non-EU countries.

Speaking to reporters at an informal EU summit in Nicosia on Friday, Babiš criticised the European Commission proposal for the 2028 to 2034 budget, which includes new funding sources such as taxes and would reduce allocations for Czechia. He also warned against expanding the Commission’s control over spending.

He added that EU enlargement should follow the same conditions for all candidates, noting that Western Balkan countries have waited years to join. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, also taking part in the summit, is calling for faster progress on Ukraine’s accession.