Crucial EU summit gets underway

Thursday, 19 June 2003 12:00 AM

EU leaders are today meeting in Greece to discuss the proposed constitution for the union's 15 member states and the ten accession countries, representatives of which are also attending the summit.

Also on the agenda are the issues of asylum, the Middle East and Iraq.

British foreign secretary Jack Straw is expected to open the three-day meeting with proposals for handling asylum seekers, including the suggestion that processing centres are set up near conflict zones in order to deal with applicants before they travel to the EU.

Security is extremely high at the small resort of Porto Carras - deliberately chosen for its isolated and remote location. And, appropriately enough, ways to tackle international terrorism and to improve the security of the EU are also up for discussion this weekend.

The controversial topic of the constitution is due to be addressed on Friday, when former French President Valery Giscard d'Estaing will present his proposals to the delegates.

Mr. Giscard d'Estaing chaired the Convention on the Future of Europe which has spent the last year drafting the blueprint for the soon-to-be-enlarged union.

There is likely to be strong opposition to many of the suggestions from countries that feel the constitution is leading the EU towards a federal Europe.

The UK government has broadly welcomed the document, but still has some concerns, particularly regarding possible tax harmonisation and fiscal policy.

No decision will be taken on the constitution yet, however, with a final vote not due to take place until next year.

The summit marks the end of the Greek presidency of the EU, as Italy will take over for the next six months from the start of July.

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