Trouble in Eurotopia Alert!

Spain and Poland block new EU deal. But now they are hearing their master's voice:

Spain and Poland want to retain a system that gives them nearly equal weight with larger countries including France and Britain. Their demand, at a summit of 28 present and future EU members in Rome, came despite hints that countries blocking progress on the constitution might suffer when it came to handing out EU funds.

And speaking of the Euroweenies, I haven't mentioned much about the recent Eurostat and Committee of the Regions scandals, but if you think unelected bureaucrats feathering their plush nests, you've got the idea. And in related news, we were relieved to hear that Euro MP's are finally getting adequate remuneration:

With business-class air fares paid and an all-day limousine service on tap, Euro MPs had only to pay for the taxi home after dining out in Brussels’ vaunted restaurants. Now they have eliminated even that small cost.

Blithely ignoring charges of “moral corruption”, MEPs have voted to give themselves an allowance of up to €50 (£34) a week to cover the cost of getting back to their Brussels pads after the free limousine service ends at 10pm.

I guess you have to pay big bucks for superstars.