The Prime Minister discussed the EU budget and energy policy at an informal meeting of the European Council. He rejected the cut in funding for the Cz
Prime Minister Andrej Babiš attended the informal European Council meeting in Nicosia on 23 and 24 April 2026. The debate revolved primarily around the European Union’s multiannual financial framework for the 2028–2034 period.
During the meeting, the Prime Minister rejected proposals that would lead to a reduction in funding for the Czech Republic and highlighted the fundamental differences in the member states’ positions on the future shape of the budget.
“These positions are diametrically opposed; it’s going to be a struggle, and I don’t think we’ll manage to complete the process this year, especially given the current situation regarding fuel, oil, gas and other factors—it’s going to be a bumpy ride.” I have no idea how the Commission figured we had grown so rich as to dispense with the 220 billion they’re planning to dock our funding." One way or another, it is completely unacceptable. I spoke out strongly against it. But we will, of course, discuss this, and it is also our government’s primary role to negotiate this budget for the years 2027–2034. “In 2020, we succeeded; we secured the second-highest amount of funding, and I brought an extra 42 billion for the Czech Republic,” said Prime Minister Andrej Babiš.
The Czech Republic will continue to advocate that the budget should reflect the need to strengthen the competitiveness of both the European and Czech economies, and will strive to maintain the importance of traditional policies, particularly cohesion and agricultural policies.
Another key topic of discussion at the informal summit in Cyprus was the situation in the Middle East and its implications for Europe, including in the energy sector. The instability in the region is having an impact on energy prices and once again highlights the importance of energy security.
In this context, the Prime Minister sent a third letter this week to European leaders, the President of the European Commission and the President of the European Council, setting out specific proposals for tackling high energy prices and revising current energy policy. The Czech Republic is advocating measures to support energy-intensive industries, increase flexibility in the emissions trading scheme, and ease regulatory measures that make it difficult to secure sufficient energy supplies.
The agenda for the meeting also included continued support for Ukraine, with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy attending the informal meeting of European leaders in Cyprus in person.
