"Europe's leaders have sent a clear signal to the EU that it must live within its means and this cut is modest compared to some parts of the public sector in EU member states, " he said.

BBC: UK Politics

April, the private sector is -- again, BP is an active member of the private sector and is working in conjunction, as I understand it, with many different oil companies.

WHITEHOUSE: Press Briefing

But Neelie Kroes, the competition commissioner, rejects any comparison between the car industry and the financial sector, and has warned member countries against offering their carmakers unfair subsidies.

ECONOMIST: The car industry