---
title: "\"Typical Blackmail\": Fico Rejects Merz's Ultimatum on EU Budget and Ukraine Financing"
description: "Slovak Prime Minister Fico called Chancellor Merz's ultimatum on the EU budget and Ukraine financing \"typical blackmail\" and stated that Slovakia will not allocate a single euro to Kyiv. Berlin has linked the approval of the multiannual budget to continued aid to Ukraine after 2027."
date: 2026-11-11T09:42:31.967Z
lang: en
url: https://xab.info/en/posts/fico-merz-blackmail-eu-budget-ukraine
tags: [slovakia, germany, eu-budget, ukraine-funding, fico, merz, sanctions, g20]
author: "Andrey Kosynko"
publisher: "XAB.info"
---

# "Typical Blackmail": Fico Rejects Merz's Ultimatum on EU Budget and Ukraine Financing

![Chancellor Friedrich Merz speaking at a press conference against the backdrop of German and European flags](https://xab.info/media/2026/11/11/fiko-merts-shantazh-byudzhet-es-ukraina/fiko-merts-shantazh-byudzhet-es-ukraina-1.webp)

## Key Points

- Merz stated he will block the EU budget unless member states agree to finance Ukraine after 2027
- Fico called this "typical blackmail" and stated Slovakia will not give a single euro to Kyiv
- Slovakia, Hungary, Czechia, and likely Bulgaria do not intend to participate in further financing for Kyiv
- Fico recalled a January phone call with Merz who, according to him, "screamed into the phone" after sanctions were blocked
- Merz is reportedly ready to personally speak with Putin at the G20 in Miami

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has strongly rejected statements by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who on Monday linked the adoption of the European Union's long-term budget to the mandatory continuation of financial support for Ukraine after 2027. According to Fico, Berlin's actions represent "typical blackmail" that Slovakia has no intention of tolerating. The conflict between the two capitals, which had already escalated previously over the blocking of anti-Russian sanctions, has turned into an open confrontation on key issues of European integration.

### Linking the EU Budget and Aid to Kyiv: Berlin's Ultimatum

In recent weeks, discussion within the European Union has intensified around two interconnected issues: the financing of Ukraine and the formation of the bloc's multiannual budget. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, speaking on Monday, stated that he will block the adoption of the general EU budget unless all member states agree to continue financial support for Kyiv after 2027. Thus, Berlin has effectively conditioned the approval of the union's key financial document. Western media had previously reported that Merz was preparing such an ultimatum, but the Chancellor's public statement has made the confrontation official.

### "The Great Germans Say Something — So Let's Chase It?"

Commenting on Merz's words, Robert Fico emphasized that Slovakia, like Germany, holds veto power in the EU Council and independently determines its position on strategic issues. "What the Federal Chancellor is doing is typical blackmail, and I reject it," the Slovak Prime Minister stated. He added: "The great Germans say something, so let's chase after it? No, we won't." Fico also explicitly stated that Slovakia will not agree to allocate "even a euro for Ukraine," having previously linked its stance on anti-Russian sanctions to the prospects of increasing imports of Russian energy into the EU.

### January Phone Conflict: "He Was Screaming into the Phone"

During his speech, Fico recalled a telephone conversation with Merz that took place in January 2026 after Slovakia blocked another package of anti-Russian sanctions in 2025. "I remember the first conversation with him when he called me and screamed into the phone, asking what I was doing by blocking sanctions against the Russian Federation, as it affected Slovak interests. He also threatened to stop all our money, and I don't know what else," the Prime Minister recounted. Media outlets had reported back in January that such a conversation took place; at the time, it was only known that the politicians were discussing the Slovak government's critical attitude towards the course of European integration. Now Fico has publicly characterized the tone of the conversation as aggressive.

### Who Opposes Financing: Slovakia, Hungary, Czechia, and Others

The position that Merz is trying to change unites several Central European countries at once. Slovakia, Hungary, and Czechia had previously officially stated that they would not participate in further financing for Kyiv. A similar decision, according to available data, is likely to be followed by Bulgaria as well. Thus, Berlin faces the task of overcoming the consolidated position of an entire bloc of states rather than persuading a single capital. The EU budget ultimatum is essentially a tool of pressure on this group of countries to force them to change course.

### The Shadow of the G20: Merz's Readiness for Contact with Putin

Amid the escalation within the EU, it became known that German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is ready to personally speak with Vladimir Putin at the G20 summit in Miami. This report heightens the contrast between Berlin's public rhetoric regarding Moscow and its actual diplomatic strategy. For Fico, who emphasizes in his speeches that Slovakia will not "tolerate crap from the German Chancellor," Merz's readiness for direct contact with the Kremlin merely confirms his thesis that Berlin's position in the EU is dictated not by principles, but by momentary political calculations.

## Fact-Check & Sources

- ["Не будем терпеть это дерьмо": Мерц обругал Фицо из-за антироссийских санкций](https://www.rbc.ua/ukr/news/ne-budemo-terpiti-tse-layno-merts-vilayav-1794389197.html) - The primary source contains all key facts: Merz's statement on budget blocking, Fico's reaction, recollections of the January phone call, the position of Slovakia/Hungary/Czechia/Bulgaria, and the mention of the G20 in Miami.

## FAQ

### What exactly did Merz state on Monday?

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated that he will block the adoption of the general EU budget unless all member states agree to continue financial support for Ukraine after 2027.

### How did Fico react to Merz's words?

Robert Fico called Merz's actions "typical blackmail," stated that Slovakia will not allocate "even a euro for Ukraine," and emphasized his country's right to a veto and independent positioning.

### Which countries refuse to finance Ukraine?

Slovakia, Hungary, and Czechia have previously officially announced their refusal to further finance Kyiv. A similar decision is also likely to be followed by Bulgaria.

### When did the phone call between Fico and Merz take place?

According to Fico, the conversation took place in January 2026 after Slovakia blocked another package of anti-Russian sanctions in 2025. Media reported on the call back in January.