Europe

Given that the British media seems to concern itself with the inconsequential gossip of Hollywood so often, it's refreshing that so much focus is currently being placed on Europe. This is not without good reason, yet it's nevertheless refreshing, and a hopeful indicator that the importance of Europe for the UK will continue to be considered and noticed.

This evening's press conference by Blair following the meeting of European leaders and foreign ministers showed the Prime Minister looking the most angry that I can remember. His argument was well conveyed, and he made a well reasoned and sound defence of Britain's rebate. Certainly if the table I saw in the Times the other day was correct, Britain appears to contribute much more to the EU coffers than France, yet appears to receive a good deal less from the Union's handouts.

Right or not, it seems clear that the European leaders need to expend a good deal of effort in getting the Union's house in order. Member countries seem irreparably divided, and if the French and Dutch referendum votes are anything to go by, the people of Europe are none to happy with the direction of Europe and the way they've been consulted on the Union's direction thus far. I don't see any easy solutions, but it'll be interesting to see what ground is made during the summit.