Security tightened amidst EU summit

Thousands of riot police are on stand-by in Belgium as EU leaders meet to discuss the future of the union.

The police will be armed with water canons

Demonstrations so far have been peaceful.

22 people however have been arrested for carrying knifes and other weapons.

World events such as the war in Afghanistan and the crisis in the Middle East will be discussed.

The summit in Brussels will last two days.

The Taoiseach is expected to raise the case of the refugees that perished when being smuggled into Ireland last weekend.

Bertie Ahern is expected to highlight the tragedy as an impetus to the signing off on an EU wide arrest warrant.

The main business of the European Council meeting is to discuss the future of the council, as it develops and enlarges.

All leaders will be keeping an eye on the action outside the summit.

Extra security has been drafted in to prevent the violent scenes which marred the last meeting of this council in June.