EU summit deadlocked over 2028-2034 budget as Sweden rejects 60% net contribution hike

EU leaders in Brussels are negotiating the 2028-2034 long-term budget, with Sweden's PM Kristersson calling the proposal 'completely unacceptable' due to a projected 60% increase in net contribution, while Spain demands a larger budget. Ireland, holding the EU presidency, has proposed cuts of about €140 billion, but no consensus is in sight. The outcome will shape EU fiscal capacity and intra-bloc cohesion, with implications for future spending priorities and member-state burden-sharing.