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Enlargement test for EU leaders Enlargement test for EU leaders
(20 minutes later)
EU leaders are gathering in Brussels to discuss stricter rules for admitting new member states.EU leaders are gathering in Brussels to discuss stricter rules for admitting new member states.
They are expected to approve a partial suspension of negotiations with Turkey because of Ankara's refusal to allow Cypriot ships into its ports.They are expected to approve a partial suspension of negotiations with Turkey because of Ankara's refusal to allow Cypriot ships into its ports.
But a draft statement reaffirms the long-term commitment to let Turkey, Albania and countries from the former Yugoslavia join the EU.But a draft statement reaffirms the long-term commitment to let Turkey, Albania and countries from the former Yugoslavia join the EU.
The right of veto in justice and home affairs is also under discussion.The right of veto in justice and home affairs is also under discussion.
The European Commission - the EU's executive - wants member states to give up this veto, to boost the fight against crime and terrorism.The European Commission - the EU's executive - wants member states to give up this veto, to boost the fight against crime and terrorism.
But the UK, Germany and the Netherlands are expected to oppose the proposal.But the UK, Germany and the Netherlands are expected to oppose the proposal.
Constitution debateConstitution debate
The Finnish EU presidency is nearing its end and Germany is set to take over on 1 January.The Finnish EU presidency is nearing its end and Germany is set to take over on 1 January.
Now we can have this general debate about enlargement without this Turkey problem Matti VanhanenFinnish PM Leaders tackle EU future Q&A: EU enlargement Now we can have this general debate about enlargement without this Turkey problem Matti VanhanenFinnish PM Leaders tackle EU future Q&A: EU enlargement href="/1/hi/talking_point/6175653.stm" class="">Turks debate EU bid
Germany has made reviving the stalled EU constitution a priority for its presidency.Germany has made reviving the stalled EU constitution a priority for its presidency.
Chancellor Angela Merkel told the German parliament that she would aim to achieve a roadmap for the constitution by the end of June 2007.Chancellor Angela Merkel told the German parliament that she would aim to achieve a roadmap for the constitution by the end of June 2007.
The EU remains deeply split over the constitution. It was rejected by voters in France and the Netherlands in 2005.The EU remains deeply split over the constitution. It was rejected by voters in France and the Netherlands in 2005.
Supporters of the EU constitution say it is needed to streamline decision-making in the enlarged EU - which will include Bulgaria and Romania from 1 January.Supporters of the EU constitution say it is needed to streamline decision-making in the enlarged EU - which will include Bulgaria and Romania from 1 January.
"We need a constitutional treaty," Mrs Merkel said on Thursday, adding that it would be an "historic failure" not to have one."We need a constitutional treaty," Mrs Merkel said on Thursday, adding that it would be an "historic failure" not to have one.
'Turkey problem''Turkey problem'
EU leaders are expected to call for issues such as judicial reform and fighting corruption to be tackled early on when considering new applications for membership.EU leaders are expected to call for issues such as judicial reform and fighting corruption to be tackled early on when considering new applications for membership.
The summit comes after EU foreign ministers decided on Monday to partially suspend accession talks with Turkey.The summit comes after EU foreign ministers decided on Monday to partially suspend accession talks with Turkey.
The decision stems from Turkey's refusal to open its sea and air ports to EU member Cyprus, under a customs union pact it signed with the bloc last year.The decision stems from Turkey's refusal to open its sea and air ports to EU member Cyprus, under a customs union pact it signed with the bloc last year.
Finnish Prime Minister Matti Vanhanen who will chair the summit, told Reuters news agency that his purpose was to find some kind of consensus about enlargement.Finnish Prime Minister Matti Vanhanen who will chair the summit, told Reuters news agency that his purpose was to find some kind of consensus about enlargement.
"Now we can have this general debate about enlargement without this Turkey problem," he said."Now we can have this general debate about enlargement without this Turkey problem," he said.
There will also be a discussion on foreign relations in which Sudan and the Middle East are likely to figure, not least as the British Prime Minister, Tony Blair, is expected to head to the Middle East shortly, the BBC's Nick Childs reports.There will also be a discussion on foreign relations in which Sudan and the Middle East are likely to figure, not least as the British Prime Minister, Tony Blair, is expected to head to the Middle East shortly, the BBC's Nick Childs reports.