Leaders chart future for Europe

EU leaders have set 2008 as a target for making changes to the EU rule book, which are needed for further expansion. A constitution setting out a series of such reforms was rejected by France and Holland last year, and the EU is split over whether it can be revived.

Germany will suggest ways of continuing the reform process next year, with the “necessary steps” being taken in 2008. The leaders also proposed a list of practical policies designed to show the EU makes a difference to voters’ lives.