Italian PM calls for two-speed Europe if no constitutional deal

0 Comments | AFP, May, 2007

STRASBOURG (AFP) — Italian Prime Minister Romano Prodi said Tuesday that a two-speed Europe should be forged if a satisfactory deal cannot be reached on reforming the European Union's institutions.

"I believe we do not necessarily have to proceed together at the same speed," he told the European Parliament in Strasbourg.

"Italy is aware that a compromise is not in itself a goal."

If a compromise deal is reached which "does not convince us" then Italy will not sign it, he added.

"At this point a vanguard of countries could result as the best way to proceed," while the door would remain open to the more eurosceptic countries, he said.

"Europe cannot achieve ambitious results without ambitious reforms".

Italy, "a country which has always...