[...] I believe when we meet here again next year we will have learned a good deal from the experience of the first two meetings. One thing will probably be that after the German presidency (of the EU) and in the midst of the French presidency in 2007 many loose ends will be brought together. And also many very important and urgent issues ought to be ‑ if not completely resolved ‑ at least seriously and earnestly advanced. Questions like: Will Europe have a constitution? Will it simply muddle on? And what are the great issues there are at the time?

So let’s just remember the very famous remark attributed to Harold Macmillan when asked what will be the determining factors of the future. He did say: “Events, dear boy, events!” A great deal may happen or not happen next year, which will, of course, give its own coloration to our next meeting. [...]