EU clash likely over proposal to scrap EUR 4bn UK rebate

After draft European Commission plans to abolish the €4bn British EU budget rebate, Britain would become the biggest net contributor to the EU budget, paying 50% more than France. The EU Budget Commissioner, Michaele Schreyer, wants to replace the British rebate with a refund for all big net contributors to the EU budget. UK Prime Minister Tony Blair has vowed to defend the rebate.