‘Extraordinarily dangerous situation’ for Europe: Sarkozy

A grim French president Nicolas Sarkozy, battling a possible ratings downgrade of his country, warned on Thursday that Europe was ''facing an extraordinarily dangerous situation.''

Sarkozy, along with German chancellor Angela Merkel, portrayed a worrying scenario for Europe while addressing the annual congress of the European People's Party (EPP), the centre-right alliance in the European parliament, in the southern French city of Marseille.

The two then left for Brussels to attend the crucial, two-day European Union summit.

''Never have so many countries wanted to join Europe,'' declared Sarkozy. ''Never has the risk of a disintegration of Europe been so great. Europe is facing an extraordinarily dangerous situation.'' He also warned that if the European leaders did not work out an agreement on Friday, ''we will not have a second chance.''

Merkel, however, was more hopeful of finding 'good solutions.' ''I am convinced that we will find a solution to all these questions,'' said the German chancellor. ''I ask for understanding from those who do not have the euro. We must send a strong signal to the outside. Words alone are not enough, we need more ties, we need treaty changes.''

While not naming any country, she said it was time for European leaders to put aside national egos and interest. She also urged non-euro zone nations, including Britain, to back the reforms that the two European powerhouses are pushing for.