German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder

It is clear that if we don't manage within a foreseeable time span to implement the constitutional process set out in the convention, the consequence can be a two-speed Europe.

We don't have to wish for it and we don't wish for it, but that will be the logical consequence of a definitive failure, which of course we don't want.

Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi

Sadly the disagreement was total when we moved to the voting system.

The positions were so far apart they didn't allow for any hope of agreement.

UK Prime Minister Tony Blair

We have the time to reach an agreement, and I personally think the presidency made the right decision.

It is better to give it some time, for countries to have some time to find an accord.

There have been some improvements, but it has not been possible to reach agreement on all the points.

To look at this in apocalyptic terms is rather misguided. I think, ultimately, it will be resolved.

Austrian Chancellor Wolfgang Schuessel

We were a little too optimistic.

Let's sit down and use the days of Christmas and I hope that with a new spirit the Irish presidency [next year] will restart negotiations.

EU Member of Parliament Klaus Haensch

Poland and Spain have shown they are not at the level of European history.

The failure of this summit will have its impact on public opinion and confidence in the future of Europe will decrease.

It is a very bad signal and a failure of one of the most important summits we have had, and that is not a good sign for the EU.

Portuguese Prime Minister Jose Manuel Durao Barroso

There was no condition for an agreement.

Efforts to reach an agreement will continue in a constructive spirit.

Polish President Aleksander Kwasniewski

We need to seek new ideas for a compromise, we must have more trust in each other.

Poland will be active in that process. We are counting on good co-operation with Germany, France and Britain whose role in the EU is so significant.

If all sides maintain their (current) positions... we will have a double-speed Europe.

It is impossible to place the responsibility for the absence of an agreement on one particular country

Polish Prime Minister Leszek Miller

We need more time, more discussion, more understanding of the intentions.

I want to stress that there was no pressure, no reluctance, no aggression. There was understanding.

That climate bodes well for the further talks. An agreement is needed and we will work to reach it.

Danish Prime Minister Anders Fogh Rasmussen

The outcome is a sad day for Europe.

French President Jacques Chirac

I still think [a pioneer group of countries that want to integrate faster than the others] is a good solution. It would be a motor that would set an example. It will allow Europe to go faster, better.

There is no drama or crisis with a capital 'C'.

Irish Prime Minister Bertie Ahern

"No-one around the table was putting a time span on it. By March we will see where we are."

Dutch Prime Minister Jan Peter Balkenende

There is a collective responsibility.