EU Leaders Deadlock Over Trillion-Euro Budget as 2027 French Election Looms

EU leaders reached an initial impasse at a summit over a trillion-euro budget, with Germany leading fiscal hardliners against calls for fresh spending. The deadlock is compounded by growing fears over the fallout from the 2027 French election. A participant said leaders remain "still very far apart," adding that they should "pack a few extra shirts" for a final summit meeting scheduled for December. The clash pits German-led fiscal restraint against member states seeking new expenditure, leaving the budget unresolved as the French election approaches.