The biggest consultation exercise on the future of the EU has begun in Brussels.
The first gathering of the 105-strong Convention on the Future of Europe marks the start of year-long talks. They will bring together national and European politicians, European Commissioners and trade unions.
The European Union's (EU) 350 million population will also be able to join in via the Internet.
The aim of the Convention is to provide a list of "options" for the EU's future direction - including possible election of a Commission president and the demise of the right of national veto in decision-making.
Recommendations will be submitted to a special inter-governmental conference of EU leaders scheduled for 2004. Between now and then, the Convention members will meet on several days each month to pool ideas.
PA