Smaller EU countries like Ireland need to be more active in backing the European Commission to prevent the increasing influence of the large members states, according to Catherine Day, the top civil servant in the European Commission.
She also expressed the strong belief that the Euro will survive and become a strong currency in the future.
Ms Day, the Irishwoman who is secretary general of the Commission, told the Institute of International European Affairs in Dublin today that the future shape of the EU was currently being determined.
She said the traditional "community method" of doing business was being challenged by an inter-governmental approach dominated by the larger states.
"The current crisis has revives a little bit tendencies that have always been there towards an Inter Governmental approach rather than a Community based approach. Pressure is coming from some to have Inter Governmental structures outside the EU structures and that is obviously not something the Commission stands for."
She said that the current Treaty would be outside EU treaties but would hopefully be compatible with them.
"Outside France and Germany most of the other member states are not particularly happy with the clear leadership role they have taken," added Ms Day.