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17/06/2005
Blair and Chirac deadlocked over EU budget
A decision on the European Union budget is looking increasingly unlikely as Prime Minister Tony Blair and French President Jacques Chirac continue to hold firm on their stances on Britain’s rebate at the European Summit in Brussels.
Mr Blair has refused to discuss Britain’s £3 billion rebate unless there is a reform of the controversial Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), which provides £7 billion in farm subsidies to France. However, Mr Chirac said today that any attempts to reduce French farm subsidies was “unacceptable” and that the British rebate should not be linked to a reform of farm expenditure.
Both Britain and France have rejected a proposal by Luxembourg to freeze the rebate until 2013.
Swedish Prime Minister Goran Persson has suggested postponing the decision on the budget, which will set EU spending from 2007 – 2013, rather than making a “bad compromise”. He said: “It is better to take a year more and continue to negotiate.”
At the summit yesterday, it was agreed to postpone the 2006 deadline for ratification of the European Constitution, following the rejection of the proposed treaty in referendums in France and the Netherlands.
A number of other countries, including Denmark, Ireland, the Czech Republic and Portugal have also postponed their referendums. UK Foreign Secretary Jack Straw announced that Britain was putting plans for a referendum on hold earlier this month, following the result of the Dutch referendum.
Ten countries – including Germany, Italy and Spain – have ratified the treaty so far. The constitution needs to be ratified by all 25 members of the EU in order to be introduced.
(KMcA/SP)
Mr Blair has refused to discuss Britain’s £3 billion rebate unless there is a reform of the controversial Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), which provides £7 billion in farm subsidies to France. However, Mr Chirac said today that any attempts to reduce French farm subsidies was “unacceptable” and that the British rebate should not be linked to a reform of farm expenditure.
Both Britain and France have rejected a proposal by Luxembourg to freeze the rebate until 2013.
Swedish Prime Minister Goran Persson has suggested postponing the decision on the budget, which will set EU spending from 2007 – 2013, rather than making a “bad compromise”. He said: “It is better to take a year more and continue to negotiate.”
At the summit yesterday, it was agreed to postpone the 2006 deadline for ratification of the European Constitution, following the rejection of the proposed treaty in referendums in France and the Netherlands.
A number of other countries, including Denmark, Ireland, the Czech Republic and Portugal have also postponed their referendums. UK Foreign Secretary Jack Straw announced that Britain was putting plans for a referendum on hold earlier this month, following the result of the Dutch referendum.
Ten countries – including Germany, Italy and Spain – have ratified the treaty so far. The constitution needs to be ratified by all 25 members of the EU in order to be introduced.
(KMcA/SP)
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14 June 2005
Blair rejects proposed rebate freeze
A formal plan to freeze Britain’s £3 billion European Union rebate has been firmly rejected by Prime Minister Tony Blair. Mr Blair rejected the proposal, which was put forward during his meeting with Luxembourg Prime Minister and current EU President Jean-Claude Juncker this morning.
Blair rejects proposed rebate freeze
A formal plan to freeze Britain’s £3 billion European Union rebate has been firmly rejected by Prime Minister Tony Blair. Mr Blair rejected the proposal, which was put forward during his meeting with Luxembourg Prime Minister and current EU President Jean-Claude Juncker this morning.
13 June 2005
Blair to remain “firm” EU rebate
Prime Minister Tony Blair has said that he will be “diplomatic but firm” with European leaders over the issue of the UK’s European Union rebate. The Prime Minister, who was in Moscow for a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, was speaking ahead of the forthcoming European summit, which takes place in Brussels on June 16 and 17.
Blair to remain “firm” EU rebate
Prime Minister Tony Blair has said that he will be “diplomatic but firm” with European leaders over the issue of the UK’s European Union rebate. The Prime Minister, who was in Moscow for a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, was speaking ahead of the forthcoming European summit, which takes place in Brussels on June 16 and 17.
10 June 2005
Blair calls for review of EU funding
Prime Minister Tony Blair has said he will not accept a reduction in Britain’s annual £3bn rebate from the European Union unless there is a debate about all EU funding.
Blair calls for review of EU funding
Prime Minister Tony Blair has said he will not accept a reduction in Britain’s annual £3bn rebate from the European Union unless there is a debate about all EU funding.
20 June 2005
Blair – EU budget ‘not right’ for Britain
Prime Minister Tony Blair has told MPs that the EU budget deal offered at last week’s European summit was “not right for Britain”.
Blair – EU budget ‘not right’ for Britain
Prime Minister Tony Blair has told MPs that the EU budget deal offered at last week’s European summit was “not right for Britain”.
23 June 2005
Europe in ‘profound debate’ on future, says Blair
Prime Minister Tony Blair has warned that Europe is “in the midst of a profound debate” on its future. Mr Blair made his comments during a speech to Euro MPs as he outlined plans for Britain’s presidency of the European Union. The Prime Minister said that a united Europe, working together was “essential” for the European nations to remain strong.
Europe in ‘profound debate’ on future, says Blair
Prime Minister Tony Blair has warned that Europe is “in the midst of a profound debate” on its future. Mr Blair made his comments during a speech to Euro MPs as he outlined plans for Britain’s presidency of the European Union. The Prime Minister said that a united Europe, working together was “essential” for the European nations to remain strong.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
