EU Constitution - Ratification

No referendum - Parliamentary approval

Both chambers of the Austrian Parliament have ratifed the EU Constitution in May 2005.

There seemed to be a political will to hold a referendum - even governmental representatives in the Convention had signed the referendum resolution of the European Referendum Campaign.

Chancellor Schüssel argued in favour of a Europe-wide referendum. He has repeated this proposal last time in November 2004.

Peace groups and the umbrella organization of the Austrian trade union congress (Österreichischer Gewerkschaftsbund - ÖGB) have demanded a referendum.

The Austrian Constitution provides referendums if it is effected by total or partial revision. Otherwise a binding referendum requires an implementation by constitutional amendment. Public opinion poll expressly provided.

Latest News

The right-wing party FPÖ (formally led by Jörg Heider) has announced to organize a citizens’ submission with three demands: a) No to Turkish EU-membership, b) Maintenance of the Austrian neutrality and c) a referendum on the EU-constitution. The EU-sceptic party aims to get 10% of the voters (~600.000 signatures). A submission in Austria does not enforce a referendum.

Austria

: area ~ 82.000 sq km

Previous referendum on European issues

A referendum on accession to the Union was held in June 1994. Accession was approved by 66% of votes cast, with a turnout of 82%.