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 Nineties

The population of Liechtenstein voted twice in favour of closer economic cooperation.


Fifteen referendums

As the European Community became the European Union, the ratification of the Maastricht Treaty and further expansion of the Union meant a boost for direct democracy in Europe.

Denmark (1992) rejected Maastricht, demanding a more flexible solution. In re-negotiations several opt-out clauses were introduced, and the Danes accepted the treaty in a second referendum (1993).

Ireland (1992) and France (1992) vote in favour of the Maastricht Treaty

Austria (1994), Sweden (1994) and Finland (1994) as well as the Ċland-Islands (1994) voted in favour of joining the EU, while the Norwegians (1994) once again voted against membership.

Denmark (1998) and Ireland (1998) voted in favour of the Treaty of Amsterdam.

Three referendums were held in Switzerland (1992, 1997) and Liechtenstein (1992, 1995) on the question of economic co-operation with the EU. The Swiss government signed the EEA Enlargement Agreement, but it was rejected by the Swiss electorate in the 1992 referendum.

   

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).

Numbers and mixed colours indicate two or three referendums with different results.
      
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