Who wants what in the EU budget talks?
The EU budget negotiations, which properly start this evening, will see a clash of interests of different member states and EU institutions.
- The UK, with its allies Sweden and the Netherlands, wants hefty cuts.
- Germany, France, Finland and Austria want to freeze the maximum Brussels can draw from member states every year.
- The European Commission and European Parliament want the budget to increase.
- Poland is leading 15 countries who support this. They are "net beneficiaries" who receive more from the EU than they pay in.
Cameron projects himself as defender of the EU taxpayer
The Prime Minister's performance at this EU summit has been interesting and it hints at a more tactical engagement with Europe.
Cameron says EU must join 'real world' as talks collapse
The Prime Minister has hit out at EU institutions for not going far enough to rein in spending as budget talks were postponed until January.
Being seen as 'Mr No' has its limitations
Getting 27 people with different interests to agree to anything is hard, but the lack of solidarity among EU members can be striking.