EU asking Britain for £1.7b extra contribution

Brussels are requesting that the UK contribute an extra fifth of its annual contribution, to the EU commission, amounting to £8.6 billion (€10,902,863,770.29) per year, blaming Britain’s strengthening economy for the increased demand.

The EU commission has demanded an extra £1.7 billion (€2,157,865,395.09) in annual contributions because of the success of the economy. A spokesperson said it was fair because it was like a personal taxation, meaning the more someone earns, the more they must pay.

Commission spokesperson Patrizio Fiorilli said: “Britain’s contribution reflects an increase in wealth, just as in Britain you pay more to the Inland Revenue if your earnings go up.”

The surcharge payment is due on December 1, but Downing Street on behalf of Britain will be challenging the demand.

Several Conservatives MEPs have already spoken out against the surcharge, saying Britain is being punished for its success.

A source said: “It’s not acceptable to just change the fees for previous years and demand them back at a moment’s notice.

“The European Commission was not expecting this money and does not need this money and we will work with other countries similarly affected to do all we can to challenge this.”

David Cameron is discussing ways to challenge the demands with the Dutch leader Mark Rutte, who has also received a surcharge payment of £509 million (€646,090,285.94) from the commission.  The demand is a reflection of Britain’s economy since 1995.

The change in each state’s contribution is a result of changes in the way the EU calculates gross national income.

A Commission spokesman said it was mainly due to the fact that the economic strength of EU’s member states had increased or decreased relative to each other.

The surcharges will be spotlighted at the European Council summit in Brussels, where the Prime Minister is meeting leaders of the 27 other EU States, some of which are looking forward to reductions in their contributions. France is due a rebate of £0.8 billion (€1,014,741,809.45), Germany £618 million (€784447537.74) and Poland £250 million (€317333146.34).