Consultative referendum: July 10, 2005

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The parliament has ratified the EU constitution two weeks ahead of the referendum which will take place on June 10, 2005.

All 55 MPs present voted in favour of the constitution on June 28, with five MPs from the populist ADR party not present for the vote.

Polls are currently predicting a majority of 55% in favour of the constitution. The political elites have indicated to respect the outcome of the referendum.

Juncker has pledged to resign if the vote goes against him.

History

Juncker has announced to hold a referendum on the European Constitution in his 2003 state-of-the-nation speech. A huge majority approved a motion submitted to the parliament demanding a referendum on the EU Constitution. Juncker has stated that he will accept the result of the referendum as binding.

Juncker - currently holding the rotating presidency of the European Council - has emphasized the necessity to continue with the ratification.

The Luxembourg Government decided on 27 June 2003 to submit the European Constitution to ratification by a national referendum. According to the opinion of the Council of State, on 12 October, the referendum on the European Constitution must be organised on the basis of a specific law. The government on 28 January 2005 has approved the draft law.

On 20th January 2005, the parliament unanimously adopted a bill that lays down the terms and conditions relative to the organisation of referenda.

The participation of enlisted voters is compulsory.

Read more facts on the ratification.