Sweden expresses strong opposition to the EU's proposed budget of 22 trillion SEK, with EU Minister Jessica Rosencrantz emphasizing the need to reduce its size. The budget, which includes a tax on Swedish snus, has sparked criticism from the Sweden Democrats, who view it as a power centralization move by Brussels. The proposal, set to run from 2028 to 2034, is seen as a starting point for negotiations, with significant defense investments included.
Sweden's Outrage Over EU's Massive Budget Proposal: 'No Free Money'
Sweden's Outrage Over EU's Massive Budget Proposal: 'No Free Money'
22 trillion SEK – that's the size of the new budget proposal from the EU Commission. – We will be crystal clear from Sweden's side that the size of the budget must be reduced, says EU Minister Jessica Rosencrantz (M). Meanwhile, the Sweden Democrats demand that the government veto the entire budget.
Together with the EU Commission's budget chief, Ursula von der Leyen presented the proposal for the new EU budget on Wednesday.
They want it to be 22 trillion in size – and to apply from 2028 to 2034.
– There is no free money, all money must come from somewhere, states EU Minister Jessica Rosencrantz (M).
The Sweden Democrats are critical.
– This is an attempt to carry out a massive centralization of power to Brussels, says EU member Charlie Weimers (SD) in a video on X.
'No Free Money'
The budget includes, among other things, a tax on Swedish snus. EU Minister Rosencrantz describes the budget proposal, which surprised many experts, as a starting point for negotiations.
– What we know for sure is that the proposal that came today is not the one that will go through. The volume is far too large, she says.
– There is no free money, all money must come from somewhere. Either from national budgets or through taxes and fees that affect businesses and consumers.
The previous EU budget was 1.1 percent of the EU's total GNI – the new proposal is just over 1.27 percent.
Weimers: 'The Commission Plays a Cynical Game'
Charlie Weimers predicts foul play from the EU Commission – including the proposed tax on Swedish snus.
– The Commission's strategy is to present provocative proposals that they know any Swedish government must fight to stop, he says.
– At the same time, as part of a larger compromise, they will unfortunately be forced to swallow a significant increase in membership fees, new EU taxes, and more power to Brussels.
The budget also includes major investments in defense, which have been added after the US stepped back from the conflict in Ukraine.
– It's good that Europe is stepping up, but then cuts must be made elsewhere, says Rosencrantz.