European Union foreign ministers narrowed differences today on the core disputes holding up a first constitution for the bloc, saying they were nearing a consensus on the key question of voting powers.
"Our continuing discussions see a consensus on that issue broadening," the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Cowen, who chaired the talks, told a news conference.
"It's not officially universal, it's broadening, broadening all the time," he added.
The ministers were seeking agreement on a draft constitutional treaty to make the EU run smoothly after its May 1st enlargement to 25 members from 15, ahead of a summit of EU leaders on June 17th-18th which is due to conclude an agreement.
The treaty would define how power is distributed among member states, extend majority voting to more issues and set the size of the bloc's executive Commission, as well as creating a long-term president and foreign minister for the bloc.
Mr Cowen also reported progress towards settling a dispute over budget procedures, which has pitted EU leaders against the European Parliament, determined to preserve its limited authority over budgetary matters.
"It was vital that we found an arrangement that struck an appropriate balance between the Council and parliament," Mr Cowen said, "And I believe the text we have published today does that, and I'm pleased that it received a general welcome."