European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso today dismissed criticism of the European Union by French President Jacques Chirac and urged Britain to do all it can to secure a deal on the EU's long-term budget.
European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso: The commission has always defended Europe's interests
"The commission has always defended Europe's interests, and does so determinedly and strictly," Mr Barroso told Le Mondenewspaper in an interview, responding to criticisms made by Mr Chirac earlier this week.
He urged British Prime Minister Tony Blair to devote all his energy to securing an agreement on the EU's 2007-2013 budget before Britain's presidency of the 25-nation bloc expires at the end of December.
"Another failure would be a very negative signal for confidence in Europe," Mr Barroso said.