27/07/2007 (Agence Europe) - The European Policy Centre (EPC) has published a study carried out by Sara Hagemann on the ratification procedures for the EU's amending treaty in the 27 member states. The results show that, at this stage, only Ireland is sure of organising a referendum. 18 countries will certainly not organise a referendum (Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia and Sweden), while the situation is still uncertain in eight member states: the United Kingdom (although the government considers that no referendum will be necessary), Luxembourg and Spain (the only two countries that ratified the former draft Constitutional Treaty by referendum), Portugal, Poland, the Netherlands (the final decision will be up to the Supreme Court once the text of the treaty has been approved), Denmark and the Czech Republic. As far as the 18 countries that are to ratify the text of the treaty by parliament is concerned, 13 may vote it by simple majority or absolute majority (Germany, Italy, Greece, Hungary, Sweden, Lithuania, Latvia, Slovenia, Estonia, Cyprus, Malta, Romania and Bulgaria), which should not entail too many problems. On the other hand, the situation could be more complex in other countries where a special majority is required: 2/3 in both Houses in Austria, 2/3 in Finland, 3/5 in Slovakia, 5/6 in Denmark in the case of transfer of powers (otherwise simple majority), 3/5 in the Lower House and Senate in Czech Republic in the case of transfer of powers (otherwise simple majority), and 2/3 in both Houses in Poland in the case of transfer of powers (otherwise simple majority). For more information: http://www.epc.eu. (hb)