Fury at British EU budget proposals

THERE was indignation and fury at Britain’s latest proposals for the EU’s multi-billion euro budget in Brussels and Strasbourg ahead of today’s summit.

The British, who hold the EU presidency, found an extra €1.8 billion compared to their proposals 10 days ago to divide between the new member states, but they managed to keep their rebate the same, ensuring their net contribution is no more than France or Italy.

But they sprinkled the 24 page seven-year budget document with goodies for member states ranging from €250 million extra for rural development in Ireland to an extra €50 million for decommissioning a dangerous nuclear power plant in Lithuania. And they warned that there will not be as good an offer on the table this year or next, suggesting that they will veto any other arrangement that might be produced after this.