The Swedish Prime Minister has played down speculation that a new Constitution for Europe can be agreed during Ireland's presidency of the EU.
Following talks in Dublin with the Taoiseach, Goran Persson said that while it was not impossible, the possibility of reaching agreement before the middle of the year 'should not be exaggerated'.
Mr Persson added that his country, with its tradition of staying outside military alliances, still wanted change to the language about a common defence in the proposed constitution.
The Taoiseach said it was still too early to say whether the Irish presidency could secure agreement on the constitution.
