The president of Denmark, which holds the rotating presidency of the EU, has warned EU enlargement will be delayed if members do not reach a deal on the cost of admitting new countries.
Mr Anders Fogh Rasmussen told Le Mondein an interview published today that disagreements between France and Germany over farm subsidies should not block an accord.
"If we do not reach a conclusion during the Brussels summit, we will not be able to respect the timetable [for enlargement]," Rasmussen said.
"Without a doubt, enlargement will be delayed. There can be a parallel negotiation on the future of the Common Agricultural Policy, but this must not prevent the conclusion of negotiations with prospective members," he said.
Denmark said the 15 EU leaders must reach a deal on financial issues when they meet on Thursday and Friday to clear the way for the 10 mostly ex-communist candidates to wrap up talks at the next summit in Copenhagen in mid-December.
The EU is also studying reforms of its institutions to cope with having up to 27 members.