The opposition to the US-led war against Iraq by some European countries had shown that the EU does not have a common European foreign policy, Reding was quoted by local media as saying.

She said European countries' unity over foreign policy is very important.

Without the unity, "Europe will be broken to pieces" and that is "bad for Europe and its status in the world," she said. "Europe is now an economic giant and a political dwarf."

If the EU wants to be a world market, it has to play a different role, she added.

Asked about the anti-war demonstrations by students all over Europe, Reding said she was "enthusiastic" about their actions.

"The young people of today are very responsible and are worried about the future of Europe and their society. Thanks to these youths, we will have a successful future," said the EU commissioner.

(Xinhua News Agency March 28, 2003)