It has been settled that State members should ratify the Constitutional text, wich will be enforced in 2009, within 2 years, either by referendum or legislative procedure.

The choice of the method will depend on the constitutional principles of each State member, but no doubt the choice of the referendum carries a strong political message, as it means European construction relies on people's choice. Yet, State members are also at risk of giving citizens an occasion to express discontent about national issues, undermining the legitimacy of the European Union.

Scheduled dates

 

january 2005

 

 

February 27 2005

 

 

 

Spring 2005

 

autumn 2005

 

autumn 2005

 

 

 

Referendum

 

PORTUGAL

Portuguese Prime Minister José Manuel Durao Barroso launched on June 23 the procedure of popular consult to take place in january 2005.

SPAIN

Prime Minister José Luis Rodriguez Zapatero announced on June 23 a referendum was to be held as soon as possible, in order for his country to be among the first countries to ratify the Treaty.

The governement is considering the date of February 27, 2005. A plain question should be laid: "Do you approve the treaty establishing a Constitution for European Union?""

GREAT BRITAIN

Prime Minister Tony Blair announced on april, 20 a referendum was to be held, most probably afer the general elections of spring 2005. Parliament is to decide on the date.

FRANCE

President Jacques Chirac decided a referendum would be organized in autumn 2005.

POLAND

Polish President Aleksander Kwasniewski and Prime Marek Belka expressed their preference for a referendum, which could be organized at the same time as the Presidential election of autumn 2005. A participation of 50% of citizens is required.

DENMARK : The liberal-Conservative governement of Denmark opted in 2003 for a referendum .

IRELAND: Any constitutional change is to be approved by referendum in the Republic of Ireland.

LATVIA

No official position is yet known, but the major part of the MPs ask for a referendum, as they are untitled to by their Constitution when important constitutional changes are generated by European integration.

LUXEMBURG

The government decied on june 27 a referendum was to take place, the first since 1936.

CZECH REPUBLIC

It is most probable a referndum will take place, as it was the case for the ratification of the adhesion Treaty.

NETHERLANDS

Most of the MPs want a referendum, even if it has but a consultative function.

BELGIUM

Prime Minister Guy Verhofstadt pleaded for a referendum on june 2, and suggested it should be organized within 50 days after the signature of the agreement on the Constitution, most probably the same day as in Netherlands.

 

Legislative procedure

 

Germany (it requires 2/3 of MPs, both in the Bundestag and Bundesrat)

Cyprus

Estonia

Finland (Parliament)

Greece (Parliament)

Hungary

Lithuania

Malta

Sweden

s

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

L