Anti-EU forces overshadow Brussels talks

Europe has not "voted against the EU". The vast majority of those who bothered to cast a ballot did so for parties that are pro-EU, and they will make up the majority in the new parliament.

Yes, the focus is understandably on France and Britain, with Denmark, Greece, and others also giving Euro-enthusiasts cause for concern.

However, in many countries mainstream parties dominated - Germany, Italy, Poland, where it was felt a growing Eurosceptic movement could break through, in the Netherlands and elsewhere.

So the results do not constitute a "problem" as such for the leaders of the 28-nation EU.

Many leaders will point this out around the dinner table in Brussels tonight.

Others however will stress that a sizeable chunk of voters chose parties that want "Brussels" to change, and that the EU needs to address this issue if it is to maintain popular support and legitimacy in the longer term.

The leaders will discuss in very general terms their priorities for the EU's civil service (the European Commission) in the coming five years.

In amongst the talk of diversifying Europe's energy supply, of tackling the migration crisis, of trade deals and single market issues, some may hope to insert a few words on the need to look again at the power the EU has over national governments.

Ahead of this election most were not planning to come to Brussels to discuss how to reset their country's relationship with the EU.

David Cameron was of course - but others were not.

Will others - under domestic pressure - now join him?