Initial reactions from European capitals show that "nobody's happy" with the draft agreement that European Union president Donald Tusk unveiled on Monday, one European source said on condition of anonymity.
The lack of satisfaction so far is a sign that Tusk's proposal is fair and balanced, but also an indication that it could be hard to reach a deal at the February 18-19 meeting of the 28 EU leaders, the source added.
The British prime minister is now set to fly to Poland and Denmark today at the start of a whirlwind fortnight of diplomacy in a bid to win over his sceptical EU counterparts and secure an accord.
European diplomats in Brussels are set to hold their first full talks on the new proposals today, and will meet again next Thursday in a bid to iron out their differences and reach an agreement at the summit.
A British government source said however that "the mood is improving on that."
Spain is meanwhile dissatisfied with the European Commission, the executive arm of the EU headed by Jean-Claude Juncker, for not taking a tougher line on Cameron's demands for a limit to benefits for EU migrants working in Britain, another European source said.
Tusk's proposals include a four-year "emergency brake" limiting welfare payments to migrants, as well as "red card" system for national parliaments to overrule draft EU laws.
You’ve reached your limit of {{free_limit}} free articles this month.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
Already subscribed? Log in
Subscribe to read the full story →
Smart Quarterly
₹900
3 Months
₹300/Month
Smart Essential
₹2,700
1 Year
₹225/Month
Super Saver
₹3,900
2 Years
₹162/Month
Renews automatically, cancel anytime
Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans
Exclusive premium stories online
Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors


Complimentary Access to The New York Times
News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic
Business Standard Epaper
Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share


Curated Newsletters
Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox
Market Analysis & Investment Insights
In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor


Archives
Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997
Ad-free Reading
Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements


Seamless Access Across All Devices
Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app
