Updated

EU member states remain deadlocked over the European Union's long-term budget for 2028 to 2034, with an October 15-16 marathon summit failing to produce a breakthrough, according to reporting on October 23, 2026. EU leaders said at the summit's end that 'the way forward is clearer', yet EU capitals appear divided on what that path actually is. The main division separates the so-called 'frugal countries' pushing for deep budget cuts from the 'friends of cohesion' supporting higher spending, threatening the EU's ability to finance its strategic priorities in the coming years.