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Balkenende argues that the negative EU sentiment among citizens can be viewed as the "wake-up call we need" (Photo: European Commission)

Balkenende urges against 'vested interests' in EU spending

Dutch Prime minister Jan Peter Balkenende has called for a reform of the EU budget, particularly its continuing practice of "rivers of subsidy flowing out of Brussels" to farmers and regions in rich member states.

In a comment in today's (20 July) Guardian, Mr Balkenende argues that European citizens are aware of what flows in and out of the bloc's common coffers, which is also a part of the reason why their attitudes to the EU have soured over the past years.

Dutch voters rejecte...

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Balkenende argues that the negative EU sentiment among citizens can be viewed as the "wake-up call we need" (Photo: European Commission)

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