EU expansion greeted with show of unity
Bertie Ahern and fellow European Union leaders put on a show of unity tonight as they celebrated the group’s historic expansion at a ceremonial summit in Dublin.
Wrangling over the new constitution was officially off the agenda as all 25 flags were raised together for the first time amid tight security and bright sunshine.
European Council President and host, Mr Ahern wished the 10 new members “a hundred, thousand welcomes”.
Fears of confrontation between anti-capitalist protesters and police appeared to be unfounded after the main demonstration of the day got off to a good natured start.
But behind the smiles, minds were focused on the wrangling to come – and the impact of the British Prime Minister’s dramatic U-turn over holding a referendum on the treaty.
Mr Blair, who has made allies among the 10 so-called “accession” countries, insisted the expansion was “good news for Europe and good news for Britain”.
The PM brushed aside fears that the UK will become a target for thousands of immigrants from the impoverished East European states.
“Ultimately this will be to the benefit of our country as well as these new countries,” he said.
“It is a good thing in terms of our security; it is a good thing in terms of our trade and our commerce and our jobs.”
Looking forward to a referendum on the constitution Mr Blair said it was “vital” that the UK remains in its “rightful place at the centre of European decision-making”.
“The important thing for Britain is always to maintain our position at the centre of decision-making so we have the influence over the decisions that affect us,” he said.
The summit brought Mr Blair face to face with his fellow leaders for the first time since announcing the referendum volte face which left them stunned.
French President Jacques Chirac is said to be particularly angry as the switch puts him under pressure to hold his own poll.
Mr Chirac on Friday suggested any country which did not ratify the treaty within two years should quit the EU altogether.
There is wider resentment over Mr Blair’s dramatic change of heart, which will strengthen his hand in negotiations over the treaty.
Mr Blair insists his counterparts respected his right to call a referendum.
However, while the hosts discourage discussion about the constitution it was certain to feature in discussions at tonight’s official dinner.
Earlier, Mr Ahern, who has set a June deadline for finalising the Constitution, said he hoped “agreement will be achieved at the earliest possible opportunity”.
“Although there are significant issues to be resolved in the negotiations on the Constitutional Treaty, there are very large parts of it agreed,” he said.
“On the more difficult and sensitive issues which remain, I firmly believe a way forward can be found with the necessary political will.”
He meets Mr Blair tomorrow for talks about Northern Ireland, but the pair will likely to take the opportunity to discuss the constitution.
Other European issues, such as candidates for the new European Commission President, were also expected to be discussed.
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