The Presidency of the European Union has passed from Britain to Austria which will hold the office for six months.
One of the main challenges facing the Austrian Chancellor, Wolfgang Schuessel, is the future of the EU Constitution which has been rejected by French and Dutch voters.
Mr Schuessel has promised to come up with new proposals on the document for an EU summit in June.
British Prime Minister Tony Blair can claim credit notably for clinching a budget deal at an EU summit last month, as well launching entry negotiations with Turkey after overcoming fierce divisions within the EU.
