INTRODUCTION

Since 2001, the European Union has been working on a new addition to its fast-growing collection of trappings of statehood - creating its own Constitution.

Designed to replace all existing treaties, the EU Constitution was drafted in Brussels by an appointed 'Convention' of EU politicians, and signed in October 2004.

Former prime minister Tony Blair and his ministers attempted to play down its importance by claiming the process was nothing more than a 'tidying up exercise'.

However, they were forced eventually to recognise its obvious significance and to pledge a referendum.

Since the overwhelming 'No' votes to the EU Constitution in the French and Dutch referenda of May & June 2005, the document has not been abandoned by Europe's political elite.

Some proposals the Constitution contained have been implemented regardless, by mis-using 'flexibility' articles in the existing EU Treaty (eg. Article 308).

Now, the bigger changes look set to be wrapped up in a re-named treaty, which the government once again hopes to pass off as insignificant. It is an obvious cheat, designed to avoid holding the referendum that they promised in their last election manifesto.

Join in with our campaign to ensure the government sticks to their clear manifesto pledge to let the people decide.

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CAMPAIGN NEWS

• Brown faces Commons defeat on EU Constitution Treaty without pledge of referendum - 21 June 2007

CAMPAIGN NEWS ARCHIVE

• COMMENT: Double blow to EU Constitution shows fatal flaw at EU's heart
  2nd June 2005
  
  
• DM debates Richard Corbett MEP in
  Ecologist magazine
  27th May 2005

• COMMENT: EU Constitution not compatible with democracy - Jack Straw veto confusion
  24th May 2005

• International rally - No to the EU Constitution
  9th April 2005: Updated 6th May 2005

• Straw dodges honest debate on EU changes
  9th September 2004
  
  
  
• Blair claims 'victory' over Constitution he didn't want
  21st June 2004

  
  
• Blair concedes referendum on EU Constitution
  20th April 2004
  
  

KEY DOCUMENTS

• First draft of EU Constitution revival treaty
  English translation by Open Europe - 24 July 2007
  
  
• European Council mandate to the IGC
  23rd June 2007
  
  
• EU Constitution: final version
  Signed in Rome, 29th October 2004