European Union finance ministers started disciplinary budget steps against Britain on Tuesday, saying its deficit was set to exceed the country's fiscal commitments.
"The decision on Britain has been adopted," a diplomat said.
All 27 EU members have agreed to keep budget deficits below 3 percent of gross domestic product, but the ministers said Britain's shortfall was expected to top the level in the fiscal years 2008-09 and 2009-10.
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