TONY THE TIRED:

EU leaders agree new budget plan (BBC, 12/17/05)

UK PM Tony Blair announces the budget deal, flanked by Foreign Secretary Jack Straw (L) and European Commission chief Jose Manuel Barroso

Tony Blair statement
European leaders have agreed the next seven-year EU budget after two days of tense talks ended in the early hours.

The UK gives up 10.5bn euros (£7bn) of its rebate, some 20%, while the budget grows to 862.4bn euros, helping to fund the development of new member states.

In return, France has agreed to a budget review in 2008-2009, which could lead to cuts in farm subsidies.

UK Prime Minister Tony Blair said the deal allowed Europe to move forward, avoiding a serious crisis.

Budget cuts that aren't up-front never happen. It's a terrible loss for Mr. Blair and the Tories ought to make hay of it.

Posted by Orrin Judd at December 17, 2005 8:35 AM