Some in the media described president Prodi as being the first "Prime Minister of the European Union".

[2][3] As well as the enlargement and Amsterdam Treaty, the Prodi Commission also saw the signing and enforcement of the Nice Treaty as well as the conclusion and signing of the European Constitution: in which he introduced the "Convention method" of negotiation.

From 1999 Prodi saw in the euro and by 2002 it came into cash form and the single currency for 12 of the EU's 15 member states.

[4] The body was however criticised for being lacklustre, with poor communication and failing to make an impact despite major events such as enlargement and the euro.

[5] The commission was due to leave office on 31 October 2004, but due to opposition from the European Parliament to the proposed Barroso Commission which would succeed it, it was extended and finally left office on 21 November 2004.