UK gets £630m off EU contribution

Member States contributions to the 2005 EU budget will be reduced by a further EUR526 million. This is the second time in 2005 that the European Commission adjusted Member States contributions downwards. Fresh economic data and a surplus in the Guarantee Fund for external actions last year are the main reasons for the modification. In a new amended budget the Commission proposes major changes for Member States such as the United Kingdom, (- EUR909 million), and Germany, (- EUR320 million). Earlier in May 2005 the Commission proposed a EUR2 737 million reduction in Member States contributions as a result of a surplus in the 2004 budget. Together with today's proposal the contribution for most Member States will be reduced.

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