ROME-- Poland and Greece have threatened not to sign the ‘Rome Declaration’ two days before the 27 European leaders are due to meet in the Italian capital.

 The two countries are throwing into question whether the document, created in recognition of the 60^th anniversary of the Treaty of Rome, will be signed by all parties. Greece has stipulated that they would like the third economic adjustment programme to continue. Poland has always been against the concept of a two-speed Europe and contests the “snub” of reinstating Donald Tusk as President of the European Council.

 The spokesperson of the European Commission, Margaritis Schinas, confirming the president Jean Claude Juncker’s programme for the celebrations, has reaffirmed without doubt that ‘on Saturday March 27 the heads of state and government and the presidents of the European institutions will sign the Declaration of Rome in the same room where the original treaty was signed.’ Poland will also sign the final declaration, according to the spokesperson Juncker.

 From what can be deduced from diplomatic sources, in the last few days government officials have worked to tone down the language used to describe controversial points of the document (Multispeed Europe and Social Europe) so that it’s accepted by everyone.

 Italy would have preferred more ambitious goals concerning Social Europe but the emphasis is rather on the ‘diversity of national systems’ of welfare. The last section of the text reads, “we will act together, at different speeds and different intensities when necessary, but moving in the same direction, like with have done in the past, in line with our treaties, and leaving the door open for those who want to join (the EU) later on. Our union is undivided and indivisible.”

 A watered-down text will still, however, be considered a diplomatic success if it’s signed by all.