The most recent proposals, which contain much necessary compromise, set a fair balance between those whose dream of a new Europe was a federal development against those who have a much more modest demand that the 27 countries of the European Union would co-operate to the highest possible degree. The hopes of those who desired to see some type of united states of Europe could not be realised on this occasion. A Europe of nation states, with every country's sovereignty fully protected, is the only way forward for the vast majority. The Convention chairman, Giscard d'Estaing, was very disappointed at what he felt was the slipping away of the federation. His idea was of a cohesive federal Europe with its own President and Foreign Minister, a small Commission and a powerful Parliament. He was certainly entitled to this opinion but it was a step much too far for the majority of European citizens, certainly for the majority of European states.