The U.K. is a net contributor to the EU – as are other large economies like Germany and France. The money is used across Europe to ensure a level playing field for the EU's poorer countries by being invested in for example, new roads or broadband. However, the bill is rising as the U.K.'s economy improves, with a net contribution of £11.3 billion ($17.4 billion) in 2013 , compared to £2.7 billion in 2008, according to official UK data.