Britain’s EU budgets query could jeopardise its rebate

Britain has been warned that if it wishes to reopen the methodology for calculating its contributions to the EU budget, it could be opening a Pandora’s box that could put the controversial rebate in question.

Prime minister David Cameron claimed he knew nothing of the balancing bill received by London earlier this month that showed Britain owed €2.1bn going back over 12 years.

It was one of nine countries, including Ireland, that must pay an additional contribution by December 1, while 18 countries had overpaid and will receive money back. The exercise does not leave the EU with any additional funds.