Blair gets a B minus for his EU Presidency

12.00.00am GMT Tue 20th Dec 2005

Graham Watson, Leader of the Liberal and Democrat Group in the European Parliament voiced criticism of Blair's 6 month Presidency despite having secured a last minute budget deal to plaster over the cracks.

"Mr. Blair raised EU expectations in June but has failed to capitalise on them. However, like many of his fellow Heads of State and Government, he has failed to use his six months at the helm to tackle, head-on, the sceptics and cynics who are quick to deride and misrepresent the EU. Both at home and abroad, this has been a Presidency of too many missed opportunities."

"I salute Mr. Blair's willingness to discuss the rebate in the wider interests of European reform but he also needs to explain to public opinion in the UK why the rebate is no longer defensible."

"Overall the UK can claim to have had some success in a number of areas and against all odds did eventually find agreement on the budget for 2007-2013. However it is not a budget for the future. Too much effort was dedicated to cutting budgetary expenditure and not enough to the vision and solidarity necessary to raise Europe's competitiveness, growth initiatives and job creation. The European Parliament will have to negotiate improvements via a joint agreement on the future financial framework under the Austrian Presidency to provide the necessary flexibility to finance our common political objectives."