“For the Union of tomorrow, we need to find new solutions that take proper account of experience gained. In trade for instance, the Union already speaks with a single voice and the Commission represents the EU’s general interest under the Council’s authority. This is the only foreign policy field where the EU is on an equal footing with the United States. I think we should draw the lessons from this! … However, the proposed changes call for a step-by-step process according to a predetermined timetable. As with the gradual approach to EMU and Justice and Home Affairs, not all the changes need to take place at the same time.”
Romano Prodi, President of the European Commission, speech to the Conference of Presidents at the European Parliament. Brussels, 22 May 2002