“Our fellow citizens have just voted in the European Parliament elections. The results should concern us on two counts: because the average rate of participation was very low, in particular in a number of States that have just joined the Union, and because overtly anti-European positions have gained ground,” Mr Prodi said.

“These two aspects are interrelated. It would be a mistake to explain them solely as the result of a general tendency towards disaffection with politics and a lack of information on the European Union.

“The message is plain and simple: many Europeans feel the Union does not come up to their expectations and so they saw no point in voting. Others think the answer lies in falling back on the nation-state, set against Europe.

“We must respond to the disenchantment of the former and the illusions of the latter. The answer can only be found by formulating a clear political project

that is implemented by effective

institutions that can truly take decisions and act.

“This is an opportunity we must grasp at this European Council

by reaching agreement on a Constitution for Europe,” he insisted.