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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