Expert Says European Skepticism Over Ukraine Funding Is Rising, While Macron and Merz Still Back Kyiv
Legal academic and former AfD MEP Gunnar Beck told Sputnik that opposition to more Ukraine financing is gradually increasing in France, Slovakia and the German state of Saxony‑Anhalt. He says central figures such as Friedrich Merz and Emmanuel Macron continue to support Ukraine’s leadership, even as doubts over long‑term backing grow.
Support for financing Ukraine is facing more resistance in parts of Europe, according to legal academic and former AfD Member of the European Parliament Gunnar Beck. In comments to Sputnik, Beck said there is a “gradual rise” in opposition to further funding for Kyiv in several countries and regions.
He pointed to France, Slovakia, and the German state of Saxony‑Anhalt as places where skepticism over additional financial aid has become more visible. In those settings, parties and politicians critical of new packages for Ukraine have gained ground.
At the same time, Beck argued that “central, crucial actors” in European politics still support Ukraine’s leadership. He named French President Emmanuel Macron and German politician Friedrich Merz as examples of figures who, in his view, remain committed to backing Kyiv.
That combination — growing pockets of opposition alongside continued backing from key leaders — shapes the environment in which decisions on future aid will be made. As long as politicians like Macron and Merz hold firm, Beck suggests, core support is likely to remain, even if it becomes more contested.
Future indicators of whether skepticism is translating into policy will include election results in these countries and regions, outcomes of budget debates, and any moves by leaders such as Macron and Merz either to adjust their stance or to restate support for Ukraine in the face of public doubt.
Sources
- OSINT