Cameron set for budget battle as EU leaders meet in Brussels

In a controversial bid David Cameron has angered leaders of EU countries by limiting billions of pounds worth of cuts in the EU’s seven-year budget discussions.

The British Prime Minister, determined to negotiate on behalf of all British taxpayers, has identified European Commission plans to support development in areas of transport, energy and broadband for reduction.

The Prime Minister said, “These are very important negotiations.  Clearly at a time when we are making difficult decisions at home over public spending it would be quite wrong – it is quite wrong – for there to be proposals for this increased extra spending in the EU. So we are going to be negotiating very hard for a good deal for Britain’s taxpayers, for Europe’s taxpayers, and to keep the British rebate.”

The EU commission is determined to put €36bn into connecting Europe through transport and energy, whilst David Cameron is aiming for €16bn, less than half the amount suggested in Brussels.

One suggestion put forward is that the UK pay less than its European neighbours, a move that has angered the French, who are the biggest financial donors to the UK rebate, and has caused the Germans anxiety, over the cost to them for bailing out other EU countries.

The cuts recommended by the Prime Minister will have the most negative impact on Germany, as they are in the process of turning away from nuclear power and focusing on more modern forms of energy.

It is not expected that a decision will be made until Sunday.

 James Clark