Germany and Allies Call for Budget Cuts to Fund Europe's Defense

Germany and several allied European countries are calling for substantial cuts to a proposed 2 trillion euro European Union budget, arguing that the savings are needed to help fund the continent's defense needs, according to a CNBC report.

Six European leaders have backed the push for major budget reductions, though the report did not name all six or specify how much would be redirected toward defense spending.

The push reflects growing pressure within the EU to increase defense investment amid ongoing security concerns in Europe, even as the bloc negotiates its broader long-term budget priorities.

CNBC's report did not detail how the proposed cuts would be distributed across other budget categories or when a final decision on the budget is expected.