Discussion in Brussels between Ecofin Council (EU finance ministers) on increasing the level of Travellers Allowances for passengers entering the EU stalled today after disagreement over monetary levels.

Similarly there was no agreement on minimum rates of duty and excise tax on alcohol, an issue which was also debated.
Discussion on both issues have now been deferred until the next meeting of Ecofin on November 28. However, sources indicate that the Finnish Presidency?s compromise suggestion that the Traveller?s Allowance should be set at E.300 ($381) per traveller in future is gaining support.
Originally the Commission had suggested two allowances for passengers entering the EU, with E.500 ($635) for travellers entering by air and E.220 ($279) for those entering by land or sea.