The European Union could double in size as a result of decisions taken at the Nice summit which starts today. As EU heads of government prepare to meet in the French town, plans are being finalised to reform the union's decision-making capacity in order to allow rapid expansion.

Leaders from all major countries face a potentially gruelling summit at which opinion is likely to be divided on some of the central issues. Sources close to Tony Blair have stressed that the prime minister is going to Nice in a mood to negotiate with a view to securing a deal although he still faces pressure on four fronts.

Foreign secretary Robin Cook has attempted to downplay the row over joint German-Italian plans for a new round of EU negotiations in 2004. He claimed the move should be seen as an opportunity rather than a threat because Germany supported Britain's call for a clear definition of the powers of Brussels and national governments. German president Gerhard Schroeder yesterday called on EU member states to put narrow national interests behind them.