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10/21/05

DeHavilland: Tony Blair calls for unity on EU direction

Dehavilland

Tony Blair calls for unity on EU direction

Tony Blair has beseeched European Union leaders to put aside their differences over the next EU budget when they gather at a key globalisation summit at Hampton Court next week. The prime minister, who holds the rotating presidency of the 25-nation bloc, wants to push ahead with key reforms to the EU's economy and social policy but has faced mounting pressure from France and Germany to re-examine core budget details. Mr Blair had wanted to set the summit agenda parameters beforehand but has been forced to make the gathering a more wide-ranging affair. He is also believed to have wanted to duck controversial issues but EU commission president Jose Barroso re-raised the issue of a five-point plan to smooth Anglo-Gallic tensions. Farm subsidies account for 40 per cent of the entire EU budget.

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