"My government will play an active role in preparing the European Union for the accession of 10 new member states next May. They will work hard to conclude negotiations on a new constitutional treaty for the European Union."

This declaration by Britain's Queen Elisabeth, opening a new session of parliament, came a day after a senior unnamed minister had raised the prospect of blocking the European charter if Britain's national control of key policy areas was threatened.

Meanwhile, Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder told the parliament in Berlin his prime concern.

He called Spanish and Polish demands to keep near parity voting rights with Germany in European decision-making a non-starter, given that his country's population outnumbers theirs combined.

Leaders aim to agree a new treaty for a Europe of 25 states at a summit in December.

Source: Euro News at:
http://www.euronews.net/create_html.php?page=detail_europa&lng=1&option=7,europa