EU enlargement talks to start this week

The enlargement process of the European Union is now unstoppable, according to the Taoiseach.

At a press conference this evening, Mr Ahern said that Ireland had led the way forward for debate about Europe and the Nice Treaty.

He said that not only had Ireland now approved the Treaty, but they had delivered a healthy environment for debate on the issue to other countries.

Meanwhile, talks will go ahead later this week on the economic issues surrounding the addition of 10 new states to the union.

On Thursday and Friday, European economic issues will be set out at a European council meeting.