Europe wary of force
David Cameron had wanted this emergency summit to show ambition and will in dealing with Colonel Gaddafi. Certainly Europe's heads of government were united in calling on the Libyan leader to give up power without delay. That was the easy part. There will be, too, further financial sanctions against the regime.
The UK prime minister had wanted a more robust European response. He described Colonel Gaddafi as a "pariah... still on the rampage, waging war against his own people".
He and the French President, Nicolas Sarkozy, had urged planning for a no-fly zone - if it became necessary.
But for taking any kind of military action - including enforcing a no-fly zone - there was little enthusiasm.
German Chancellor Angela Merkel said she was "fundamentally sceptical" at the prospect of military intervention.
So there was no mention of a "no-fly zone". There was a commitment that "member states will examine all necessary options provided that there is a demonstrable need, a clear legal basis and support from the region. Those responsible will be held accountable and face grave consequences".
David Cameron in his post-summit press conference twice drew attention to the words "all necessary options". He insisted the language was strong, but almost certainly would have liked the EU to go further.
President Sarkozy said Europe was sending a signal that did not exclude the military option, but he conceded no one wanted to go down that path at the moment.
In truth Europe is divided over the use of force. The EU's foreign affairs chief Catherine Ashton had one of her press officers briefing of the risk of civilian casualties in any military action. Her view was that a no-fly regime could not be operational for five to six weeks.
What remains unclear is what might trigger European leaders to change their mind. Certainly any use of chemical weapons, or if there were large civilian casualties, would be a game changer. But Colonel Gaddafi seems to understand that, in the way he is deploying his tanks and air force.
For the moment Europe's leaders are hoping that international pressure will further isolate and weaken the Libyan leader.
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