Jean Claude Junker is working away trying to get a deal before next weeks summit. Next on the list: Tony Blair:

“Tony Blair, prime minister, is coming under intense pressure to give up part of Britain’s rebate to the EU budget as part of a deal that would see big cuts to European rural subsidies………..Luxembourg, which currently holds the EU presidency, knows that Mr Blair will only move on the rebate if Mr Chirac agrees to cuts in subsidies for his country’s farmers.”

Difficult to say what will happen. It is clearly important for the credibility of the EU to have a rapid ‘success’ somewhere. Perhaps a deal on the budget would help. Plus, if Blair puts this behind him, he will be able to take a much stronger line on other issues during the UK presidency.