Earlier this week, I wrote about the current strain among EU countries in the wake of the Dutch and French "no" constitutional votes. One story that I highlighted had to do with the British rebate and demands that the UK renegotiate. Now, Wounded Duck Al'orange Chirac is going after the rebate, making the pitiful case that regardless how his administration screwed up the EU Treaty, it is now up to the Brits to unite Europe:
French President Jacques Chirac on Thursday called on Britain to "make a gesture of solidarity" over its European Union budget rebate ahead of an EU summit next week.
Many taking part - especially Chirac - hope it will show a united face for the 25-state bloc in the wake of embarrassing 'no' results in referenda in France and the Netherlands in the past two weeks on whether to adopt an EU constitution.
"The time has come for our British friends to understand that they must now make a gesture of solidarity" at the summit, Chirac told journalists.
Yes, Britain must make a gesture of solidarity because France has told the rest of Europe to sod off. Classic.
Also classic is the Gallic attitude on what could be its own "gesture of solidarity:"
However he excluded any challenge to a Franco-German deal on the EU budget's biggest outlay: the Common Agricultural Policy, which greatly benefits France's farmers.
"We cannot accept any reduction whatsoever of the direct aids to our farmers," he said. The CAP, as it is known, is to remain as it is until 2012 under the deal, which was struck in 2002 much to the anger of Blair.
How long will the rest of Europe put up with this? Chirac also said that the ratification process should continue despite the fact the France and the Netherlands have killed it. So once again, France is begging for rescue while slapping the faces of those it needs most.
Hat tip: Maggie
Comments