British Prime Minister Tony Blair defended himself Wednesday against broadsides from EU leaders in the wake of the failed Brussels summit, calling himself a "passionate" European committed to reform.

Faced with much of the blame from across the continent for the collapse of talks on the long-term EU budget, Blair said in a guest column in Germany's top selling newspaper Bild that he would continue to fight for a financial overhaul.

"I am a passionate pro-European. And it is those who believe in Europe most who must be the most ardent advocates of reforming it for the better," he said.

He renewed his criticism of the 25-nation bloc's Common Agricultural Policy, which largely benefits France, and said the money would be far better spent on technology, education and support for innovation.

"We need a budget which concentrates on the future. A budget for jobs, not special interests. We need to invest in innovation and skills, not pay out two euros a day for every cow," he said.

"There is no reason for large transfers of money from countries like Germany and Britain to other rich countries to continue, as was proposed last week."

Blair also hit back at accusations that he was clinging to Britain's cherished budget rebate at the expense of the 10 new member states.

"We need, of course, to support the poorer member states. Like Germany, Britain was a leading champion of enlargement. We certainly won't duck our obligations to the new member states," he said.

"Indeed, I have said that Britain is ready to pay more. But only if the money is concentrated in the right countries -- the poor ones, not the rich -- and concentrated on the right policies too."

"Of course, the EU is much more than a free-trade area," he said.

"People want jobs, but they also want security and protection for the environment. They want European values upheld. They want Europe strong in the world."