Pause for thought on EU constitution

The EU constitution needs to be redrafted after referendum rejections in France and the Netherlands believe most European citizens, shows new polling.

A new blueprint should be renegotiated say 49 per cent while 22 per cent think ratification should continue despite the French and Dutch ‘no’ votes.

The latest Eurobarometer poll of public opinion - carried out in October and November - shows strong majorities for a new constitution, in France 65 per cent and in the Netherlands 64 per cent.

The polling will reinforce the view in many national capitals and Brussels based EU institutions that changes will have to be made to text before French or Dutch voters will give a constitution a second chance.

Only 13 per cent believe the constitution should be ditched with the European Commission survey showing overall support for the idea of a constitution growing from 61 per cent to 63 per cent since the spring.

Three fifths of Europeans believing that the EU will work more effectively with a constitution in place following a spring and summer of European crises.

Indeed, support for some form of constitution remains high even among the French and Dutch, with 67 per cent and 62 per cent of voters respectively backing the idea.

“The Eurobarometer survey shows that there is a positive mood about the constitution,” a European Commission spokesman said.

“These results will be a valid contribution to the period of reflection on the constitution ahead of the next EU summit in June.”

With or without a constitution, Europeans are becoming increasingly sceptical about the benefits of the EU as a whole, in particular as it struggles to cope with enlargement.

The number of Europeans opposed to further enlargement has grown since the spring, from 38 per cent to 39 per cent, with Austria, Germany and France in particular concerned about expansion.

While most Europeans would be happy to extend membership to countries such as Norway and Switzerland, there is still considerable opposition to the accession of Balkans countries.

And Turkey’s accession is opposed not only by 55 per cent of Europeans but also by a significant number of Turks.

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