The Prime Minister of Montenegro and 16 other EU leaders have jointly urged the preservation of the Common Agricultural Policy and cohesion funds within the next EU budget. They issued this appeal today, warning that additional cuts would weaken public support for the European project. The leaders emphasized the importance of these funds for maintaining stability and fostering development within member states. This stance signals a potential clash with nations advocating for stricter budgetary constraints. The group believes that sustained investment in agriculture and regional development is crucial for the long-term success and popular legitimacy of the European Union. Further reductions, they argue, would undermine key policy areas and erode trust in European institutions. The leaders hope to influence upcoming negotiations regarding the EU’s financial framework.