In Brussels, the unveiling of a poster to mark …, the starter of WWI, 100 years ago. But today, … European summit, which will reveal sharp differences. They center around Jean-Claude Juncker, who is set to become head of the European Commission.
David Cameron has called for a vote on the nomination of a man he regards as an old guard Brussels insider. But, his potential allies are falling away.
Just two and a half weeks ago, David Cameron shared a boat with the so-called Reform Camp, the German, the Swedish and the Dutch. They shut the door on blocking Juncker.
If an explicit vote is called for, we will support Jung's candidacy. We will not block it.
In Germany, Angela Merkel, who once was lukewarm about Mr. Juncker, said there will be no drama if he was chosen by a qualified majority.
What has swayed many leaders is the argument that this is about democracy, that people were told that they were voting for the EU's next president.
Mr. Cameron has put himself in not so nice, he's been very vocal, not accepting the vote, the choice for me that even unbelievable. He's been even blackmailing about leaving the European Union.
Some countries, like Italy, have openly traded their backing for Mr. Juncker in exchange for support of greater flexibility over budget and deficit. But it remained surprisingly difficult to find an endorsement for Mr. Juncker as the best candidate for the job.
Is he a face that represents a new, bolder, reforming Europe?
We are not concerned about faces; we are concerned about actions. And certainly, if it was Juncker, it should clearly commit to those policy powers, it's for change.
So it looks as if Mr. Juncker will be nominated in the next two days, with David Cameron his only opponent, apart from the Hungarians.
Some time after Europe leaders have met in Ypres, the Prime Minister will warn them their sanctions are shifting power toward the European Parliament by the backdoor.
Gabbing Hewlet, BBC News, Brussels.