What does CED stand for?

Moscow has expressed interest in having a role in attempts to forge a common European defence policy.

An October report will be prepared, but the Government is looking at only three options: holding a second poll in September/October next year that would carry a number of compromises, including an opt-out on a common European defence force, tax harmonisation and assurances on abortion and national identity; the nuclear option of not putting the poll again, accepting Lisbon is dead and facing the inevitable ostracisation of the other 26 proceeding without us; and a third and complex option that would involve ratifying the core elements of the Lisbon Treaty such as the double-majority voting system through the Oireachtas rather than by referendum.

His comments came a week after EU nations agreed to press ahead with plans for a common European defence strategy, working within Nato but able to act in situations where the US chose not to get involved.

She pointedly applauded Michael Portillo's anti- foreigner speech at theTory conference, saying he was right to attack Brussels plans for a common European defence policy.

Since 2004, the British have resisted the headquarters idea, seeing it as a French ploy to undermine the Nato alliance and boost common European defence by establishing a European rival to Nato's Shape planning headquarters at Mons in Belgium.

Mr Prodi has often spoken of his desire for a common European defence and foreign policy.

She praised Michael Portillo's conference speech - which has divided the party - for "roundly and rightly attacking" plans for common European defence.

Again and again Mr Prodi has been frank about his desire for a common European defence and foreign policy.