If the Netherlands is the biggest problem facing the EU in solving the deadlock over the European constitution, then there is no major obstacle to overcome, says European parliament chairman Hans-Gert Pöttering.

Pöttering was speaking on Thursday evening following a meeting with the Dutch prime minister and MPs. Together with France, the Dutch voted against a EU constitution in 2005.
Pöttering told the ANP news agency that he believes the Netherlands has the will to solve the crisis facing the EU.
The Dutch cabinet wants amendments to existing treaties to simplify the way the union operates rather than the drawing up of a EU constitution. It has also ruled out a second referendum on the issue.