His two deputies Giuliano Amato, a former Italian prime minister, and Jean-Luc Dehaene, a former prime minister of Belgium, are also both keen federalists.

ECONOMIST: The European Union summit

"The political leaders of these countries don't receive help from other colleagues in the union that could lower their interest rates and provide oxygen for growth initiatives and investment, " said Guy Verhofstadt, a member of the European Parliament and former prime minister of Belgium.

WSJ: Pose Counterweight to Voters' Wishes

Former Prime Minister MARK EYSKENS (Belgium): Organizing a worldwide control mechanism, solidarity, transparence, and responsibility.

NPR: In Europe, Excesses Blamed For Money Meltdown