... comes from Belgian MEP and former European Commissioner Willy de Clercq on the day the Laeken summit starts to set the agenda on the EU's future direction.

"Undoubtedly the tragic events of September 11 have changed a lot of things in the world and will have an influence on the Laeken meeting. They will influence the so-called declaration of Laeken which should give new impetus, a new elan, to the further integration of Europe with an eye on the next inter-governmental conference planned for 2004. In reality the success of Laeken, and I hope it is a success which gives hope for the future will rely on the political willingness of member states.

"I really hope there is a positive outcome. By positive I mean something new, that there will be progress, not just the leaders meeting and afterwards saying it was good meeting but there are a lot of leftovers to discuss next time."