Dutch PM uses WWII fete to plug EU constitution
Dutch Prime Minister Jan Peter Balkenende used commemorations Sunday marking the end of World War II in Europe to plug the EU constitution, which faces several critical upcoming hurdles.
In a speech at a US military ceremony in Margraten, southern Netherlands, the premier recalled the determination of European leaders after the fall of Nazi Germany in 1945 to unite to prevent a new war. They realised, he said, "that cooperation was the best guarantee of lasting peace."
"Time has proved them right," he added, speaking just before US President George W. Bush.
"European cooperation has brought us 60 years of peace, progress and security. The EU is about to take the next step: ratification of the European constitution.
"We believe in the words of the constitution, that 'Europe, reunited after bitter experiences, intends to continue along the path of civilisation, progress and prosperity'."
The constitution, which provides a common law for the 25-nation bloc and is designed to streamline the way its institutions work, faces its biggest test yet on May 29 when voters in France hold a referendum on whether to ratify it.
Opinion polls show French voters are split, but a "no" vote from one of the driving force nations behind the EU would leave the text dead in the water.
In the Netherlands, people will vote on June 1 in a consultative referendum on the constitution, and again opinion polls show it could be defeated.
The referendum is non-binding on the Dutch government, but the two biggest parties have said they will take account of the result if the turnout is high enough to be regarded as representative.
Source: EU business
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