EuropaWorld 8/12/2000 Prodi: 'Nice Summit Will Be Turning Point'

As we go to Press European Leaders are meeting in Nice for a Summit that will determine the future shape, membership and substance of Europe for many years to come. "This European Council will be a turning point in European integration", said Commission President Romano Prodi when he arrived in Nice on Wednesday evening. "Enlargement is the great challenge of our generation and I hope that everyone comes here with the will for a compromise."

Decisions taken at the Summit on reforming the European Union's machinery of government will open the way for up to 20 comparatively poor countries in central, southern and eastern Europe to re-join the European family of nations, thereby underpinning their democratic and economic development. "This Summit gives Heads of State and Government a historic opportunity they cannot afford to miss," said Mr Prodi.

The key issue is whether existing states are prepared to extend qualified majority voting, giving up their right to veto decisions. "It is the single most important issue facing us as we prepare for enlargement," said Mr Prodi.

Back to home page

Use browser back button to view more articles in this category