So when you are faced with a decision on the euro, it is not surprising that many people are confused. They still try to squeeze the euro debate into the old language. But deep down it is a matter of deciding where one's future lies. It is a matter of political will and courage.

It is becoming more widely acknowledged that it is better to have a good constitution than not having a perfect one.

If you don't want to call it a European army, don't call it a European army. You can call it 'Margaret', you can call it 'Mary-Anne', you can find any name, but it is a joint effort for peace-keeping missions - the first time you have a joint, not bilateral, effort at European level.

Are we all clear that we want to build something that can aspire to be a world power - not just a trading bloc, but a political entity?

No one wants to lose their job, or cede the power they've acquired.

The EU must take on new responsibilities. And these new responsibilities call for intensifying the integration process.

The Italian economy is certainly the weakest of the big European countries.