David Cameron went to Brussels to fight an increase in the EU Budget - instead he was hit by a £1.7bn bill to pay for Britain's relative prosperity.
It was a typical Brussels ambush... or was it?
Officials have been pouring over the figures since 1995 to try to work out who should be paying what.
If a country's economy did better than expected, they need to cough up more. If it did worse, they get a rebate.
Number 10 knew these calculations were happening, so it hasn't come out of the blue, and it's a long-standing principle that budget contributions are dependent on Gross National Income.
What they object to, however, is the size of the bill (especially in comparison to France and Germany who are getting a rebate) and the fact it must be paid by the beginning of December.
Along with allies such as the PM of the Netherlands, David Cameron is trying to challenge the ruling. His chances of success are slim.
It should come as no surprise that this is just as much about politics as it is about money.
I've spoken to several Conservative backbenchers and ministers who are incandescent about what they see as another money grab from Brussels.
But the biggest problem for David Cameron is that the demand comes just weeks before the Rochester by election, where the Conservatives have a stiff challenge from UKIP defector Mark Reckless.
Initially, the Tories were buoyant about their chances. Now, after a poll put Nigel Farage's party 13 points ahead, they are growing increasingly nervous.
A big bill from Brussels plays directly into their opponents' hands.
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