European leaders will turn their attention to job creation and the economy today after reaching a breakthrough in constitution talks at the European Council meeting in Brussels last night.
The Taoiseach, and President of the Council, Mr Ahern, said last night that talks on the constitution document would be brought to conclusion by June 18th.
"We had a very positive discussion in which there was appreciation for the approach the presidency has taken," Mr Ahern said after dinner in Brussels.
"I asked colleagues to commit themselves to a timeframe in which to bring the Intergovernmental Conference to a conclusion. We agreed to do so no later than the June European Council.
"There is a strong will to find a way forward and I think that everyone understands that there will have to be compromise. We will continue with our consultations and, as soon as appropriate, we will arrange for the resumption of formal negotiations. This is a collective process in which we all have a part to play.
"We all want to see the new constitution in place. There are many important things in it. It will help the enlarged Union work better and do more for its citizens. In the end that is the most important thing," Mr Ahern added.
Officials from the 25 existing and accession member-states will shortly begin drafting compromise texts for the disputed parts of the treaty, paving the way for final political negotiations between foreign ministers and EU heads of state and government.
No timetable for these talks was set last night, but last night EU sources said Europe's political leaders were unlikely to put forward their final compromise positions until after the European parliament elections on June 11th and 12th. Governing parties in several member-states fear that compromising on key issues in advance of those elections would be exploited by the opposition for electoral gain.
The European Council meeting also adopted a range of anti-terrorism measures including the appointment of a counter-terrorism co-ordinator.