Member states from central and eastern Europe are getting ready for tough talks on the EU budget with UK leader Tony Blair this week, following hints that the British presidency plans to propose sharp spending cuts for the bloc's poorest countries in 2007-2013.
Mr Blair will meet the leaders of the Baltic states in Tallinn on Thursday (1 December) before taking his diplomatic tour to Budapest on Friday to debate the pending budgetary proposal with the four Visegrad countries.
Pol...
Enjoy access to all articles and 25 years of archives, comment and gift articles. Become a member for as low as €1,75 per week.
Already a member? Login