By Henrietta Billings - 22nd May 2005
The Netherlands and France look set to vote no to the European Constitution in upcoming referendums over the next 10 days according to the latest opinion polls.
The latest poll on Sunday revealed that the 'no' camp in France remains in the lead with 52 per cent, and a survey in the Netherlands for RTL television showed that 54 per cent would vote no.
Amid increasing concern about the outcome of the votes, European leaders are being drafted in to support the treaty in France - due to go to the polls on May 29.
Gerhard Schroeder, Germany's chancellor is expected to attend a socialist 'yes' meeting on Thursday in Toulouse, and José Luis Rodriguez Zapatero, Spain's prime minister plans to bolster support at a pro treaty rally in Lille, reports FT Europe.
But ahead of the Dutch vote on June 1, prime minister Jan Peter Balkenende remains upbeat.
"I am putting my money on the yes vote, I am optimistic," he said in an interview with Dutch daily, De Volkskrant.
A founding member of the EU the Netherlands has traditionally been a strong supporter of further European integration, but tensions over immigration and a recent row over the valuation of the euro have bolstered eurosceptism and support for the 'no' camp.
The TNS-NIPO poll conducted for RTL Television showed 90 per cent of respondents said European integration - including eastern expansion of the EU was moving too fast.
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