Czech and Dutch EU ministers say EU does not need constitution proper

The Czech and Dutch ministers for EU affairs Alexander Vondra and Frans Timmermans said following their meeting in Prague on Monday that they had very close standpoints regarding the future of the European Union. They believe that the European Union does not need a constitution in the proper sense of the word, merely a package of agreements aimed at reforming the union's economy and making it a strong global player. The Dutch minister noted that such concepts as "constitutional symbols" had confused the Dutch public and resulted in their rejecting the treaty in a referendum. The Dutch sent a warning signal that there are some boundaries that must not be crossed, minister Vondra told newsmen.