Germany Leads Opposition to EU Pay Rise

Germany has blocked a big pay rise for most members of the European Parliament during a meeting of EU foreign ministers in Brussels on Monday. The decision -- backed by France, Austria and Sweden -- halts a motion that would have seen euro-MPs from new member states in Eastern Europe earn more than their prime ministers. The German-led opponents said the reform package was too generous and would have to be readjusted by the European Parliament. The block has also stopped the reform of the current expenses system for euro-MPs, long criticised as a "gravy train", until after the elections for the European Parliament next June.