EU citizens to pay for pan-European parties

The European Union is set to provide financial support for European political parties. However, only the largest parties are in line for support, with the bill to be picked up by tax payers across the European Union.

In order to qualify for funding, from the 8,4 million euro pot available from 1 July 2004, parties have to be represented in at least a quarter of the member states of the European Union.

The idea is to support parties that cross national boundaries, however, the net ...