The president of the European Central Bank said today that France 's rejection of the European Union constitution will create difficulties but he is convinced the EU will overcome its internal differences to unify and grow.
"After the French referendum, and before the Dutch referendum, we are facing today a difficult moment for Europe and for our 458 million European fellow citizens," Jean-Claude Trichet told a business luncheon in Montreal, Canada.
"I am sure that Europeans will, together, find the way allowing them to overcome present difficulties as they did in the past." Mr Trichet added that the central bank will adhere to its mandate to preserve price stability and confidence in the euro.
"Confidence is a key word in the present circumstances," he said.