European Union leaders yesterday approved a statement of progress made during the Irish presidency in advancing their proclaimed agenda of economic reform.
The summit meeting's conclusions include a section devoted to summarising decisions taken since the last European Council in March on "measures of direct and tangible benefit to citizens as part of the Union's pursuit of social, economic and environmental goals".
The EU leaders were rhetorically patting themselves on the back, while incidentally giving plaudits to the presidency, the European Commission and European Parliament.
The conclusions acknowledge "major progress" on six policy areas in the last three months.
The Financial Services Action Plan, which is meant to develop a single European market, had been advanced by the legislative decisions on investment services and transparency, the council agreed.
The opportunities for citizens, businesses and services to work across national borders had been helped by legislation on recognising professional qualifications and co-ordinating social security, as well as by the introduction of the European health insurance card.
The conclusions list several steps to improve environmental protection, including air quality, marine safety, pollution and climate change.