The British government wants to pay less, however: “We do not recognize this amount,” said a government spokesman on Friday in London.
The spokesman for Prime Minister Boris Johnson said that the net cost was still between 35 and 39 billion pounds (around 40 to 45 billion euros). The EU figure is an estimate for internal accounting purposes. “For example, it does not reflect the amount owed to the UK. That reduces the amount we pay, ”said the spokesman.
In Brussels, however, it was said that the financial report with the invoice amount of 47.5 billion euros was final. “The calculations were carried out in accordance with the provisions of the exit agreement,” said a spokesman for the EU Commission on Friday. In 2021, Great Britain will have to pay 6.8 billion euros of the amount. The first installment has already been transferred. The Commission currently has absolutely no indications that the EU calculations would be called into question by the British.