Denmark to hold referendum on EU Constitution next year 

Mr Fogh Rasmussen said in a television interview on 5 August that his government will submit the results of the EU Intergovernmental Conference, starting in October and due to end in December 2003, to a popular vote next year.

At the same time, the government will decide, in consultation with all the Danish parliamentary parties, whether the referendum on the EU's new Constitution should also cover Denmark's opt-outs to the Maastricht Treaty on common defence and security policy, justice and home affairs policy and participation in the euro, he told the Danish TV2 network.

Danish analysts believe that the vote on the Constitution will take place in late summer 2004, while a vote on lifting Denmark's exemptions to the Maastricht Treaty is not expected until after the next general election, due in 2005.

The Intergovernmental Conference on the future EU Constitution will begin in Rome on 4 October. In the period leading up to the opening of the conference, the Member States will continue to come forward with their observations and concerns on the draft European Constitution. Three sessions are scheduled within the conference, which is expected to be concluded before the end of the Italian Presidency on 31 December 2003.

The "Rome Constitution" could then be signed on 9 May 2004 - Europe Day, just before the next European elections. Between May 2004 and the end of 2005 the treaty will be ratified by the 25 EU parliaments, with referenda being held where necessary.