Regeringsleiders snel klaar met justitie en economie. Blijft over: verdeling van de macht (en)

EUOBSERVER / BRUSSELS - EU leaders gathered together in Brussels for a European Council have wrapped up talks in record time, with a view to getting down to the real business of negotiating a Constitution.

Foreseen to go on until 5pm, the talks on European economic growth, justice and home affairs and external relations were finished already at midday.

Containing no big surprises, as acknowledged by the Italian Presidency itself, the member states approved the European Action Plan for Growth which includes a series of quick-start projects to boost the economy.

Italian Prime Minister, Silvio Berlusconi described the plans "the first economic policy manoeuvre of the European Union since its birth".

Member states also encouraged their interior ministers to finish examining the European borders agency, so that it can become operational on 1 January 2005.

The 26-page document also makes a strong condemnation of anti-semitism.

"The heads of state or government underline its deep concern at the increase in instances of anti-semitic intolerance and strongly condemns all manifestations of anti-semitism, including attacks against religious sites and individuals.

This follows a rise in anti-semitic attacks in several member states - particularly France.

A special annex to the conclusions concerns EU relations with the US - which have been sorely tested lately because of trade wars and most recently due to US insistence that only those countries who supported the war in Iraq should be entitled win contracts for its reconstruction.

This has been strongly condemned by the European Commission.

Nevertheless, the document states that the "transatlantic relationship is irreplaceable".

"Acting together, the EU and its partners can be a formidable force for good in the world", continues the paper.

And now

Now EU leaders will roll up their sleeves and get down to the real business of negotiating the Constitution.

Mr Berlusconi said there would be a plenary session first and then "we'll get in confessionals".

The divisions that remain concern the balance of power in a future European Union and the hardline positions with Spain and Poland on one side and Germany on the other remain the biggest obstacles to agreement.

But Mr Berlusconi sounded a cautious note, asked if he thought a deal could achieve a conclusion, he replied, "nobody can be expected to do the impossible".