The Taoiseach has said that all EU countries must move together in order to get agreement on a new EU constitution.
Bertie Ahern said he disagreed with the President of the EU Commission, Romano Prodi, that a two-tier Europe could be the outcome if negotiations on the constitution failed to reach agreement.
Mr Prodi earlier described today's inaugural Commission meeting under the Irish Presidency as a good starting point for the challenges ahead over the next six months.
Mr Ahern has said that under the Irish presidency, agreement on the controversial European constitution would be a priority, as would the implementation of the Lisbon Strategy which would see the EU becoming the largest economy in the world.
He said Ireland has taken over the presidency at an exciting time, not least because of the enlargement of the union when ten countries join on 1 May.
The Taoiseach earlier addressed European Commissioners in Dublin. Mr Ahern and his ministers told the Commissioners how the Irish presidency intends to tackle problems like improving EU competitiveness and agreeing immigration policy.
Tight security was in place around Dublin Castle for today's meeting.
