Brussels, 01/06/2005 (Agence Europe) - German Social Democrat Jo Leinen, President of the European Parliament's Constitutional Affairs Committee, convened a special meeting of the committee on Thursday afternoon, 2 June, to examine the ratification process of the European Constitution after the French 'Non' on 29 May and the Dutch referendum on 1 June. Cyprus, Malta, Estonia, Latvia, Sweden and Belgium are expected to ratify it this year (Belgium's regional assemblies will vote after the federal parliament), while Luxembourg is planning a referendum on 10 July, Denmark on 27 September, Poland on 25 September or 9 October, Portugal probably on 9 October and possibly Ireland (either late 2005 or early 2006).
In the morning of 2 June, Jose Manuel Barroso will attend the normal meeting of the European Parliament's political groups, along with President Borrell. An EP press release explains that the meeting was planned some time ago within the framework of the interinstitutional agreement between the EP and the Commission of 26 May 2005, adding that the MEPs will discuss the ratification process of the European Constitution with Jose Manuel Barroso, along with EP/Commission relations.
Martin Schultz urges ministers: 'Don't rush to say the Constitution is dead'
On Wednesday, the President of the Socialist Group at the European Parliament, German Social Democrat Martin Schulz, said in a press release: 'It is not only those who support the Constitution who must now do some thinking. Countries that rejected it will have to reflect on their relationship with Europe, too. These reflections will take time and no-one should rush to conclusions before the whole of the ratification process is complete… Whatever the outcome of the Dutch poll, I urge governments not to rush into pronouncing the Constitution dead. It might suit domestic political needs in one or more countries to avoid having a vote. But government leaders who are tempted to go down that path will be tearing up the document that they all signed in Rome.'