6 EU member states call for cuts to bloc’s budget: Report

Six EU member states urged the European Union to cut its next seven-year budget by several hundred billion euros, according to a letter seen by Dutch broadcaster NOS on Tuesday.

The leaders of the Netherlands, Germany, Sweden, Denmark, Austria and Finland voiced opposition to the European Commission's proposal, which they said would increase the bloc's budget by 60%.

Describing the proposal as "unrealistic" both politically and economically, they reportedly said the increase was not compatible with the austerity measures needed in several member states.

They therefore called for the budget to be reduced by "several hundred billion euros."

The leaders also called for a thorough reform of EU spending, saying investments should focus on security, defense, economic competitiveness, innovation and combating illegal migration within the framework of a strong and independent Europe.

In the letter addressed to the current EU presidency held by Ireland, the leaders stressed that the new budget proposal should contain an amount that can be financed realistically and without further borrowing.