Press conference with Federal Chancellor Merz and the President of the European Council, Costa
Federal Chancellor Merz held talks with the President of the European Council, António Costa, during the latter’s annual visit to European capitals. The discussions focused on the competitiveness and the budget of the EU.
- Transcript of press conference
- Wednesday, 9 September 2026
Europe’s finances, competitiveness and expansion policy: Chancellor Merz and António Costa, President of the European Council, discussed these and similar issues
Photo: Federal Government/Jesco Denzel
Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz received the President of the European Council, António Costa, as part of the latter’s annual tour of capital cities, known as the “Tour des Capitales”. At the Federal Chancellery, the two leaders discussed key issues relating to the upcoming EU-summit.
Central priorities include the EU’s competitiveness and the new EU budget for the years 2028 to 2034 – also known as the Multiannual Financial Framework. In addition, there will be other important issues on the agenda in the second half of 2026. Merz specifically mentioned support for Ukraine, as well as European migration and expansion policy, in this context.
The most important points in brief:
- EU budget: The Federal Chancellor reiterated his call for a realistic approach to the scale of the new EU budget and for reforms to its content. At a time of national budget cuts, he said, a 60 percent increase at EU level is neither justifiable nor financially viable. In order for an agreement to be reached by the end of the year, he stated that the MFF not only needed to be cut by several hundred billion euros, but also to be urgently adapted to the challenges of the 21st century. “Our competitiveness and our defence capabilities are at the forefront of our efforts”, said Merz.
- Competitiveness: The Chancellor stated that the spring roadmap for competitiveness was already being implemented, but that it needed to be more ambitious in terms of cutting red tape. In addition, there would be in-depth discussions with the European Commission on trade protection instruments to combat market-distorting practices. He said that while the EU had no control over the economic policy decisions of global trading partners, it was not completely at their mercy. The Chancellor made it clear: “We are in favour of free trade, but we are not naive.”
- Further topics: Merz emphasised the ongoing support for Ukraine. This, he said, would also be a key topic of discussion at forthcoming summits. He stated that the issue of migration was also important, and he called on all Member States to apply the new CEAS rules consistently. Furthermore, the Chancellor said that “decisions, particularly with regard to Ukraine, Moldova and the countries of the Western Balkans” needed to be progressed.
You’ll be able to read the transcript of the press conference here shortly.