Overview
In June 2003 the two biggest parties, Social Democratic Party, PSD, and the Popular Party, PP, consented to hold a referendum on the EU Constitution.
Former Prime Minister Jose Manuel Barroso, who resigned in July to become head of the European Union Commission, told parliament last June that his government would hold a referendum.
But no date has been set for the referendum and Portugal's early elections in February 2005 delayed preparations for it.
Socialist leader Jose Socrates won a convincing victory, promising far-reaching reforms to tackle the country's economic woes.
Concerns have been expressed by some politicians that the constitution will mean Portuguese interests are swept away by larger countries in the name of efficiency.
Among those hoping that the constitution will be approved, there are fears that low turnout in a referendum could lead to rejection.
Portugal vague on EU referendum
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