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01/12/2005
Blair faces strong opposition to EU budget deal
Prime Minister Tony Blair has predicted that he will face widespread criticism over EU budget plans.
Mr Blair is meeting with the leaders of seven Eastern European countries – Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Hungary, Poland, Slovakia and the Czech Republic – during a two-day trip, as he attempts to break the deadlock over the budget before the end of Britain’s six-month EU presidency.
Britain’s proposal on the EU budget for 2007-13 would reduce aid to new EU member states by around 10%, so that Britain could retain more of its £3 billion annual rebate.
An attempt to break the deadlock on the budget agreement failed during the summer, when Britain clashed with France over the common agricultural policy. Britain refused to give up its rebate, unless there was a review of farm spending - something which French President Jacques Chirac refused to accept.
Speaking in Kiev this morning, ahead of talks with the leaders of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, Mr Blair said: “If we cannot get a large deal, which alters fundamentally the way the budget is spent… we will have to have a smaller EU budget.”
However, the Prime Minister admitted that he faced a difficult task in trying to convince the new member states to accept the proposal. He said: “I will get attacked, probably from all sides, but that is part of political leadership.”
The President of the European Commission, Jose Manuel Barroso, accused the Prime Minister of acting like a modern-day Sheriff of Nottingham and robbing from the poor to give to the rich.
However, British officials have reportedly argued that the countries could not find enough projects to spend all the funds allocated to them on, citing past examples in countries such as Portugal and Ireland.
Britain’s budget proposal will be discussed at a summit in Brussels on December 15–16.
(KMcA/SP)
Mr Blair is meeting with the leaders of seven Eastern European countries – Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Hungary, Poland, Slovakia and the Czech Republic – during a two-day trip, as he attempts to break the deadlock over the budget before the end of Britain’s six-month EU presidency.
Britain’s proposal on the EU budget for 2007-13 would reduce aid to new EU member states by around 10%, so that Britain could retain more of its £3 billion annual rebate.
An attempt to break the deadlock on the budget agreement failed during the summer, when Britain clashed with France over the common agricultural policy. Britain refused to give up its rebate, unless there was a review of farm spending - something which French President Jacques Chirac refused to accept.
Speaking in Kiev this morning, ahead of talks with the leaders of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, Mr Blair said: “If we cannot get a large deal, which alters fundamentally the way the budget is spent… we will have to have a smaller EU budget.”
However, the Prime Minister admitted that he faced a difficult task in trying to convince the new member states to accept the proposal. He said: “I will get attacked, probably from all sides, but that is part of political leadership.”
The President of the European Commission, Jose Manuel Barroso, accused the Prime Minister of acting like a modern-day Sheriff of Nottingham and robbing from the poor to give to the rich.
However, British officials have reportedly argued that the countries could not find enough projects to spend all the funds allocated to them on, citing past examples in countries such as Portugal and Ireland.
Britain’s budget proposal will be discussed at a summit in Brussels on December 15–16.
(KMcA/SP)
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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.
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”.
02 December 2005
Blair ‘could compromise’ on EU budget
Prime Minister Tony Blair could compromise on Britain’s EU rebate in a bid to finalise a deal on the EU budget, it has been reported. Mr Blair is widely expected to offer to give up as much as 15% of the £3 billion rebate, in an attempt to break the deadlock over the EU budget.
Blair ‘could compromise’ on EU budget
Prime Minister Tony Blair could compromise on Britain’s EU rebate in a bid to finalise a deal on the EU budget, it has been reported. Mr Blair is widely expected to offer to give up as much as 15% of the £3 billion rebate, in an attempt to break the deadlock over the EU budget.
17 June 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.
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.
14 January 2011
Stormont Budget Hit In Treasury Claw-Back
Although Northern Ireland's Finance Minister and the First and Deputy First Ministers raised their concerns in London, some £300m of Westminster funding is being removed from the Stormont Executive. This is to "sort out a hole" in the Treasury's finances, Minister Sammy Wilson has said.
Stormont Budget Hit In Treasury Claw-Back
Although Northern Ireland's Finance Minister and the First and Deputy First Ministers raised their concerns in London, some £300m of Westminster funding is being removed from the Stormont Executive. This is to "sort out a hole" in the Treasury's finances, Minister Sammy Wilson has said.
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Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and 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.
