The ratification process” “” “

The calendar of the parliamentary votes and referendums for the ratification of the EU Constitution is taking shape. So far four countries – Lithuania, Slovenia, Hungary and Italy – have completed the process by saying “yes” to the document signed in Rome on 29 October 2004. A consultative referendum was held in Spain on 20 February. The next consultations of the electorate are due to be held in France on 29 May, Holland on 1st June and Luxembourg on 10 July. French vote and “domino effect”. In France the campaign in favour of a yes vote to the EU Constitutional Treaty is trying to convince citizens to cast their vote in the forthcoming referendum. Opinion polls suggest, however, that so far the opponents of the treaty are in the majority: if the “no” vote wins the referendum, it could trigger a domino effect, favouring euro-sceptic positions in other countries. This would delay, if not scupper, the entry into force of the new Constitution (for the time being fixed for 1st November 2006). The favourable opinion of all 25 EU member states is the necessary condition for the European Constitution to come into force. The question of the French referendum was a focus of attention at the last European Council of Ministers (22-23 March). Strong French opposition was expressed to the so-called “Bolkestein Directive” on the liberalization of the services sector at the continental level. France is worried by competition from Eastern Europe. President Jacques Chirac had even prospected the risk that his citizens could vote “no” to the Constitution if this provision were to be approved in its original version. At this point the current President of the Council, Luxembourg premier Jean-Claude Junker, was forced to explain that the text of the Directive would be amended, taking into account “the dual imperative of the opening up of the services market”, to favour “beneficial” competition, “and respect for the European social model”. In Paris the positions pro or contra the Constitution are present in civil society and in the political parties in a way that cuts through traditional social and party divides. A document in support of the Treaty was published by the French episcopate a few days ago. The president of the parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, René van der Linden, has also expressed his support; according to him, “a French “yes” vote to the draft European Constitution is also a yes to a Europe founded on democracy and human rights”. The decision is up to citizens or parliaments. What then? Altogether a dozen or so countries of the Union have decided to follows the referendum option for ratifying the Constitution. For the rest, ratification is entrusted to the national parliaments. The overall picture of the ratification procedures is gradually taking shape. For the time being Germany is set to follow the parliamentary option (bicameral): the Bundestag is expected to vote on 12 May, that of the Bundesrat by the end of June. The Austrian Parliament will decide in May. In Belgium the legislative assemblies will decide between yes and no by the end of this year. The 9th May, traditional “festival of Europe”, will be the day of the vote in the Cypriot Parliament. In Denmark citizens will be called to vote on the Treaty; the referendum is scheduled for 27 September 2005. Spain was the first State to consult its electorate, which voted in favour of the Treaty in a consultative referendum on 20 February (voter turnout 42.3%; 76.7% voted yes): now the Parliament in Madrid must endorse the will of the people. Estonia, Finland and Greece will follow the parliamentary method, but no date for ratification has yet been fixed. Ireland is coupling the parliamentary procedure with the direct consultation of its citizens. Latvia will assign the decision to a vote in parliament, so too will Malta, while the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg and Holland will couple parliamentary endorsement with consultative referendum. The situation in Poland still remains unclear: the formal decision of MPs in Warsaw could be preceded by a popular vote, to be held perhaps on 25 September in tandem with the presidential elections. The Portuguese are likely to vote in October, on the same day as the local elections. The Czech Republic could be one of the last countries to decide: there is talk of a referendum in June 2006. The United Kingdom will combine the popular vote with votes both in the House of Commons and in the House of Lords. Lastly Slovakia and Sweden will opt for parliamentary ratification: the final vote should take place in the next few months. The Constitution can only enter into force once the ratification process has been completed. In the event of a “no” vote by one or more member states, the Council of the heads of state and of government of the 25 would be convened to decide what to do next. For the time being there seem to be three options: granting further time to obtain the favourable opinion of all countries; deciding to proceed with a “variable speed” Europe; and making provision for the secession from the EU of those states that have not ratified the Constitutional Treaty. ———————————————————————————————————– Sir Europa (English) N.ro assoluto : 1379 N.ro relativo : 28 Data pubblicazione : 13/04/2005