Like Mr Blair, prime minister Goran Persson faces a tough decision on whether and when to call a referendum. Stockholm's main purpose is to assess how far the Lisbon targets have been met and how Europe is faring in adapting to the digital age and putting new technologies to profitable use. It will also review progress on pushing ahead for fuller employment. Thursday's complex eve of summit deal on financial services, pushed by Britain's chancellor, Gordon Brown, was always likely to be the easiest item to resolve, despite objections by Germany. But Mr Bolkestein, an influential thinker, was sharply critical of the lack of progress elsewhere.
Progress is spotty and that gives cause for concern.
Brave words were spoken on liberalisation. They have not been followed up to a sufficient extent. Yesterday he denied that he was making any link to the troubles of the euro. But leaders are aware that progress towards streamlining the economy could help prop up the ailing currency during a slump in financial markets. Governments sought to put a more positive spin on the likely summit outcome today.