Dousing protectionist flames
Emergency summits are all the rage!
The Czechs have named the date for their on protectionism: it will be on Sunday 1 March. But they're also calling one in Prague in May to examine jobs and unemployment. 
The Commission has already loosened rules so that more workers can get money from a fund set up to help if companies move outside Europe.
On the day that French carmaker Peugeot Citroen announces the loss of 11,000 jobs worldwide President Sarkozy's offer of 6bn euros in return for no closures in France must look very tempting.
But, at a news conference with the Czech president, Commission President Barroso made it clear that they would be "scrutinising" the French plan to make sure it worked "with the grain" of EU rules and "maintained the integrity of the single market". He said he was launching an appeal for all EU leaders to show their European spirit and do battle against economic nationalism.
But they were also trying to cool the debate. Czech Prime Minister Mirek Topolanek, invited to give his opinions on Mr Sarkozy's plan, seemed to regret his outburst earlier in the week. He said that he would not "continue this media thing" and noted that his job was to give leadership and direction to the debate and that perhaps he should have spoken directly to Mr Sarkozy. "Some things are very damaging for both of us."
I’m Mark Mardell, the ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ's North America editor. These are my reflections on American politics, some thoughts on being a Brit living in the USA, and who knows what else? My 
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