Key facts
- Germany criticized a Cypriot proposal for the EU's long-term budget.
- Germany called the proposal unaffordable and unbalanced.
- Germany advocates for cuts in defense and competitiveness.
- The EU's chemicals sector is pressured by cheap Chinese imports.
- Policymakers are concerned about dependence on Chinese supplies.
- EU ambassadors approved a reform of air passenger rights.
- The reform covers claims for canceled or delayed flights.
- The reform also addresses airline seating and baggage rules.
- The agreement was negotiated by the Cyprus Council presidency and the European Parliament.
Germany's government has sharply criticized a proposal from Cyprus regarding the European Union's long-term budget. Berlin described the proposal as "unaffordable" and "unbalanced," advocating instead for cuts across all budget areas. Germany's priorities for budget allocation include defense and competitiveness.