Key issues at the Turin summit

The European Union intergovernmental conference in Turin launches a year-long debate on amending the EU treaty to prepare for a dozen new members

Foreign  policy
Indecision on Bosnia has damaged the EU’s goal of a joint foreign policy. Britain baulks at ending the veto power of every nation. France wants EU foreign policy chief, to represent the 15 EU leaders personally

Defence 
France wants a 300,000 member European army that can act without the Americans and offers its nuclear umbrella to EU partners. Britain is eager to keep NATO as the prime European security provider. Dim prospects for long-dormant Western European Union to become EU defence arm

Unemployment
Sweden seeks a formal treaty clause on curbing unemployment. Germany and Britain are opposed 

Borderless Europe
Ending internal borders remains source of friction. France accuses Holland of being soft on drugs. Spain wants easier extradition of terrorist suspects. Tighter cooperation likely in controlling illegal immigration, drug-smuggling

Red tape
France and Germany lead call for more majority voting – as opposed to unanimity – in traditional EU policy areas to prevent bureaucratic gridlock. Britain is opposed

Housekeeping
Members agree that European Parliament should have no more than 700 seats – currently 626 – after EU expands to 24 members. Britain and France oppose greater power for EU parliament and Britain wants a curb on powers of the Court of Justice