Chirac's spokeswoman added that the leaders were expected to send a "message of confidence" to the mostly eastern European aspirants that the EU remained committed to expansion.

CNN: French assembly approves EU treaty

The latter would provide more confidence since it would send a message of unity, with discussions likely to have been held on this well before the election.

CNN: What's next for ailing Greece after the latest vote?

When Congress gets back to town next week, you need to send them a message -- go ahead and give middle-class families and small businesses the confidence of knowing that their taxes -- your taxes -- will not go up next year.

WHITEHOUSE: The White House