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Image header Agence Europe
Europe Daily Bulletin No. 8652
Contents Publication in full By article 15 / 53
THE DAY IN POLITICS / (eu) eu/pioneer groups

24/02/2004 (Agence Europe) - In a speech to the Hungarian parliament, on Tuesday, Jacques Chirac gave his assurance that the "25 member Europe will be the natural framework for common action" and that "we want to make the whole Union move forward, respecting the rate of each, in an approach that remains open, concerted and progressive". Some countries are more hesitant so "let us give them the time they need", he added, saying: "the most determined must be able to form (…) pioneer groups called upon to go into certain areas as scouts" but "it is Europe as a whole that will benefit from this", if the groups are open and if acquis communautaire is complied with "under Commission control". President Chirac also said he was confident the Irish Presidency would present to the summit on 25 and 26 March a "just assessment of the situation" concerning the prospects of convening the IGC and that it will take the "necessary initiatives if it considers the conditions for success are met by end June".

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A LOOK BEHIND THE NEWS
THE DAY IN POLITICS
GENERAL NEWS