Menu
28/10/2010
Cameron Gears Up For EU Summit
As he prepares for Brussels, David Cameron has phoned European leaders ahead of his showdown to impose budgetary restraint at the two-day EU summit.
The Prime Minister spoke with French President Nicolas Sarkozy, European Council President Herman Van Rompuy, and his German counterpart Angela Merkel – whos German-led proposals impose strict fiscal discipline on Eurozone countries.
The summit is dominated by the "economic governance" agenda, with many smaller European countries against the France and Germany deal discussed at a bilateral summit last week.
The French and German deal ensures severe future sanctions for countries that breach budget deficit and debt limits. The Germans say, unless the rules are enshrined in changes to the European treaties, they will not be credible.
Britain has negotiated a "carve-out", ensuring sanctions could not apply.
However there is unease that a protracted European argument could distract the European Union from the UK's priorities.
At the summit, the Prime Minister will highlight the need to reflect the current financial realities that member nations are dealing with in the EU budget.
The Prime Minister described the 5.9% rise as "completely unacceptable".
The EU is currently entering an 18-month period of negotiation for the 2014-2020 budget.
(BMcN)
The Prime Minister spoke with French President Nicolas Sarkozy, European Council President Herman Van Rompuy, and his German counterpart Angela Merkel – whos German-led proposals impose strict fiscal discipline on Eurozone countries.
The summit is dominated by the "economic governance" agenda, with many smaller European countries against the France and Germany deal discussed at a bilateral summit last week.
The French and German deal ensures severe future sanctions for countries that breach budget deficit and debt limits. The Germans say, unless the rules are enshrined in changes to the European treaties, they will not be credible.
Britain has negotiated a "carve-out", ensuring sanctions could not apply.
However there is unease that a protracted European argument could distract the European Union from the UK's priorities.
At the summit, the Prime Minister will highlight the need to reflect the current financial realities that member nations are dealing with in the EU budget.
The Prime Minister described the 5.9% rise as "completely unacceptable".
The EU is currently entering an 18-month period of negotiation for the 2014-2020 budget.
(BMcN)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
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.
01 June 2004
Beware 'extremists', Tories urge ahead of Euro poll
Tory leader Michael Howard has appealed to UK voters to reject "extremist" alternatives – such as the UK Independence Party – for June's European elections. Mr Howard is keen not to leak Eurosceptic votes to the UKIP and appealed for Conservatives to rally behind his party's vision of Europe - which he declared "puts Britain first".
Beware 'extremists', Tories urge ahead of Euro poll
Tory leader Michael Howard has appealed to UK voters to reject "extremist" alternatives – such as the UK Independence Party – for June's European elections. Mr Howard is keen not to leak Eurosceptic votes to the UKIP and appealed for Conservatives to rally behind his party's vision of Europe - which he declared "puts Britain first".
28 May 2003
Labour defends its position on European Convention
Foreign Secretary Jack Straw said today that a new European constitution would "not significantly change" the relationship between the EU and its member nations, adding that it would be another year until the final version is finalised.
Labour defends its position on European Convention
Foreign Secretary Jack Straw said today that a new European constitution would "not significantly change" the relationship between the EU and its member nations, adding that it would be another year until the final version is finalised.
15 June 2005
Blair calls for ‘fundamental debate’ on Europe
Prime Minister Tony Blair has said that a “fundamental debate” on the future of Europe is needed at the European summit, which begins in Brussels tomorrow. Speaking at Prime Minister’s Question Time today, Mr Blair said: “I think there is a clear understanding now in Europe that there needs to be a far more fundamental debate about the future.
Blair calls for ‘fundamental debate’ on Europe
Prime Minister Tony Blair has said that a “fundamental debate” on the future of Europe is needed at the European summit, which begins in Brussels tomorrow. Speaking at Prime Minister’s Question Time today, Mr Blair said: “I think there is a clear understanding now in Europe that there needs to be a far more fundamental debate about the future.
22 June 2012
Miliband To Shift Labour's Immigration Focus
In a speech later today Labour leader Ed Miliband will say his party “got it wrong” on immigration while in government. He will say Gordon Brown and Tony Blair should not have allowed uncontrolled immigration from new EU states in 2004.
Miliband To Shift Labour's Immigration Focus
In a speech later today Labour leader Ed Miliband will say his party “got it wrong” on immigration while in government. He will say Gordon Brown and Tony Blair should not have allowed uncontrolled immigration from new EU states in 2004.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:It will be cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, soon followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
