EU Commission president launches public debate over Europe's future

The European Commission launched an initiative in Prague on Friday to draw ordinary citizens into the debate about the future of the European Union. Following the No-votes on the European constitution in the Netherlands and France this year, the so-called "Plan D", standing for democracy, dialogue and discussion, is the EU executive's attempt to stir up discussion which can help decide the future of the union. At a news conference with Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso in the Czech capital on Friday, Commission vice-president Margot Wallstrom said this was the first of a number of visits to member states to try and stimulate discussion.