Signs of optimism [ Saturday, December 10, 2005 ]

In his first public reaction to the result, Mr Juncker said: "It is the expression of the popular will of a small state but a great nation. This vote was every bit as important as those in France and the Netherlands.

"If Luxembourg had voted 'No', Europe would be in an ultra-serious crisis. With this vote we are still in a crisis but a crisis which lets some signs of optimism appear on the horizon."

Mr Barroso said the vote sent out "a strong signal, because it means that a majority of member states consider that the constitutional treaty responds to their expectations by opening the way for a... stronger Europe on the world stage."

The constitution was rejected by France and the Netherlands earlier this year, and opinion polls in Luxembourg last month suggested a narrow majority in favour.