There are 20 million unemployed and what does the Constitution offer us in the Europe of 25, 27 and soon to be 30: policies of unrestricted competition to the detriment of production, wages, research and innovation.

This revision of the Constitution will not be perfect. But at least the Constitution will not be inflexible. It will be a step towards the Social Europe which we wish.

I am a partisan and artisan of Europe. But I draw the lessons of my experience in government.

if the US economic landing is soft there will be no consequences (for Europe).

The demographic weight of countries such as China and India exercise a massive pressure on our wages and salaries. They have accomplished massive technological advances and the revolution in information technology has reduced the costs of transport.

Many of us in higher education depend critically for research and innovation on bright young minds. It behooves us to reach out proactively and nurture this talent pool.