Taoiseach to attend European expansion meeting
Taoiseach Bertie Ahern is expected to receive a warm welcome in Brussels tonight when he attends a meeting of the European Council of Ministers.
After the euphoria of the Nice Treaty referendum last week, EU officials are expected to offer their gratitude to Ahern and the Irish people.
Tonight's meeting will look at the next phase of EU expansion.
A discussion on which EU countries are ready for accession will also be on the agenda, as will plans on the transfer of payments to the new EU member states once they join in 2004.
During the two-day meeting, the Taoiseach will have bilateral talks with Tony Blair and the Greek Prime Minister.
