France has secured a €1.6 billion cut in its contribution to the EU budget for 2026

<p>The French state has secured a significant reduction in its contribution to the European Union budget for 2026, saving €1.6 billion. Following technical negotiations, France will pay €5.7 billion, compared to the €7.3 billion initially agreed. The cut is part of a wider savings plan outlined by the French government to help reduce the public deficit. Public accounts minister Amélie de Montchalin stressed that this achievement was the result of direct negotiations with other member states and in line with the government's fiscal consolidation efforts.