Cox focuses on European stars

PAT COX finished one of the most hectic phases of his presidency when 10 countries signed up to join the European Union in Athens last week, but he’s looking forward to the next development — the debate over a single foreign policy and a defence force.

He has not shied away from any of the difficult issues during the last few months as Europe goes through an identity crisis. The Munster MEP led parliament discussions with UN chief weapons inspector Hans Blix in the attempt to avert the Iraq war. He is now preparing the 460-member parliament to play its role in reshaping the EU's relationship with the rest of the world.

The two-day meeting in Athens was an opportunity for him to discuss the possibilities with the EU leaders. He was the first person to address them at the summit and had time for personal discussions at events like the celebratory dinner, when he sat beside French President Jacques Chirac.