Brussels, 29/04/2005 (Agence Europe) - On 28 April, the Belgian Senate approved the European Constitution by 54 to 9 (no votes from the Far Right, the Front National and the Vlaams Belang) with one abstention (by a Socialist Senator). In a few weeks time, the text will be voted on by the Chamber, and then by the five assemblies of the federal entities of Belgium. Is it an ideal Constitution? No, but it's a great step forward, Belgian prime minister Guy Verhofstadt told the Senate, adding that he thought Belgium would always be on the side of those who want to move forward in terms of European integration. He said he was not surprised that the Far Right didn't like it. European minister Didier Donfut said debate should probably now be prepared to add to the progress made by the Constitution.
The Constitution has been approved by Lithuania, Hungary, Slovenia, Spain (by referendum), Italy and Greece.