Belgium rejects EU executive proposal to raise more funds - PM

Belgian Prime Minister Alexander de Croo on Thursday rejected a proposal by the European Union executive to have the bloc's member states chip in more money for joint coffers, saying extra spending was needed, but funds should be found elsewhere.

De Croo spoke on arriving to a summit of EU leaders due to discuss the proposal by the European Commission to raise more funds to offer 50 billion euros in aid to Ukraine through 2027 and spend additional 15 billion euros on managing migration.

"What is on the table toady is unacceptable for us," de Croo said. "The focus on continued support for Ukraine is a righteous one."

"But on how do you finance it, we ask the Commission and other institutions to look at their own funds and look at the funds that are not being fully used and look at prioritising their expenses, instead of asking the member states for bigger contributions."