EU enlargement remains a tricky question

THE DEBATE on the future of Europe is slowly but definitely gathering pace, with foreign ministers agreeing to hold a two-day meeting on the topic at the end of May.

The issues are being clarified gradually, national governments making statements about their bottom line and gradually galvanising support or opposition for it.

As frequently happens with big issues in the EU, the phrase being used for the debate - the future of Europe - is off-putting. Basically it boils down to whether the constitution will become a reality.