Country Information

This section provides information about the EU countries. Currently eleven states have decided to hold a referendum on the EU Constitution. The question is still undecided in eight member states, while in five countries it seems to be unlikely, that a referendum will be held. The Parliament of Lithuania has already ratified the constitution.
 

The Seventies:


Six referendums

The European Community's first period of expansion occured in the Seventies, when the UK (1975), Denmark (1972) and Ireland (1972) joined following referendums in those countries. The Norwegians voted against accession (1972).

The accession of the three new states was confirmed by a referendum in France(1972). This was the only example of an enlargement that was confirmed by a plebiscite.

Outside the EC the Swiss (1972) electorate voted in favour of a treaty enabling free trade with the EC.

   


Conclusions

1. Referendums on EU questions are the modern and appropriate tool to decide about the future of the EU.

2. A no-vote in a referendum never lead to a withdrawal of the concerned state (except in Greenland that voted on that very question).
      
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