The political debate over Ursula von der Leyen's proposed €2 trillion EU budget intensified during a meeting in Brussels. Initial criticisms centered on the budget's size and the need for unanimity from all 27 member states. Tensions arose between fiscally conservative countries and more indebted nations, with various ministers expressing differing views on the budget's structure and necessity. Von der Leyen's proposal includes new taxes to fund the budget, but opposition from several member states complicates the discussion. The Danish presidency aims to establish negotiation principles by year-end.