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Crisis in Brussels

EU leaders met in Brussels on June 16 and 17 for a "crisis summit." The meeting did result in a crisis as no aggreement on the union's budget could be reached. Read more in this DW-WORLD dossier.

https://p.dw.com/p/6meX

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EU leaders faced the daunting task of agreeing on a budget framework for 2007-2012 and determining which direction to take on ratification of the European Constitution in the wake of rejections from the French and Dutch electorates.

While they agreed to prolong the ratification process for the constitution, they failed to reach a compromise on the budget.

Read this collection of DW-WORLD articles to get the lowdown.

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Reports & Analysis

Meet the EU's Deficit Sinners

Although repeatedly cited for failure to rein in deficit spending, Germany and France are by no means the only violaters of EU deficit guidelines. There are at least 10 guilty members and many more awaiting a verdict.

Curing the EU's Democratic Deficit?

The referendums in France and the Netherlands on the EU constitution gave citizens a real, if disapproving, voice in the EU's future. But some question if referendums are a good way to chart the EU's future direction.

Quo Vadis, Europe?

The failure to agree on a budget has exposed differences over the EU's future. Britain, which has been blamed for the crisis, cannot force its path on others, said Austria's Schüssel, who inherits the presidency in 2006.

EU Constitution Gets Time for Reflection

Late Thursday, EU leaders extended a deadline for ratifying the European Constitution. While it does little to solve the current crisis, many hope the reprieve will help the bloc re-channel its energies for the future.

Opinion: A Small Chance for Europe

The French rejection of the EU constitution unleashed a shockwave and exposed the weaknesses of the union project. But there will be no chance for a united Europe if fears of the expanded union are not addressed.

EU's Billions to Flow to Familiar Shores

EU leaders will meet this week for crisis talks on the bloc's long-term budget. But, fat farm subsidies are unlikely to come under the axe and a new political direction for the struggling bloc won't be discussed either.

"Europe is in a Profound Crisis"

The European Union careened into "profound crisis" Saturday as budget talks failed and a two-day summit collapsed into finger-pointing, compounding turmoil over an EU Constitution.

A Quick Guide To the EU Constitution

DW-WORLD offers a speed reader of the most essential aspects of the new constitution agreed to by the leaders of the 25 European Union member states. Find out what made the cut and what wound up on the editing floor.

Köhler Halts Ratification of EU Constitution

German President Horst Köhler on Wednesday decided to halt his country's ratification of the EU constitution as Germany's highest court is still reviewing an appeal against the treaty's approval.

EU Attempts to Untie Budget Tangles

EU foreign ministers are meeting Monday to discuss the future spending of the EU. Despite expectations of reaching a compromise on the issue, positions hardened in the run-up to the talks.

"Europe Can't Keep Running"

European leaders are gathering in Brussels for a two-day summit to give the alliance new momentum. But can the EU extricate itself from its constitutional tangle? DW-WORLD.DE talked to Commissioner Viviane Reding.

A Quick Guide to the EU Summit

Fears are growing that the European Union summit on Thursday and Friday in Brussels will not resolve the bloc's most pressing problems. DW-WORLD explains the two issues the heads of government and state will tackle.