Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
Work smarter with a Pro licence Learn More

World Video | Defence | Foreign Affairs | Natural Events | Trade | NZ in World News | NZ National News Video | NZ Regional News | Search

 

Netherlands Say No To EU Constitution


Joint Statement of President of the European Parliament Josep Borrell Fontelles, President of the European Council Jean-Claude Juncker and President of the European Commission José Manuel Barroso on the results of the referendum in the Netherlands on the Treaty establishing a Constitution for Europe.

The people of the Netherlands, like the voters of France, have chosen to say no to the ratification of the Constitutional Treaty.

This is a choice that we respect. The result of the democratic ballot taken in the Netherlands comes at the end of a rich and intense debate and deserves a profound analysis, to which we must now dedicate the necessary time.

We remain convinced that the Constitution makes the European Union more democratic, more effective and stronger, and that all Member States must be able to express themselves on the project of the Constitutional Treaty.

The fourteen Member States that have not yet had the chance to bring to a conclusion the process of ratification are today faced with a situation in which, although nine member states have ratified the constitutional treaty, two Member States have rejected it. For this reason, the Presidency has decided that the Council of 16 and 17 June could usefully carry out a serious collective analysis of the situation.

Furthermore, we hear the messages sent by the citizens of France and the Netherlands on the European project and we note them well. The European Institutions will listen to the concerns of European citizens and they will come together to offer a response.

We are confident that together and in partnership – national governments, European institutions, political parties, civil society – we will know how to find the means to move the European Union towards an enduring consensus as to its identity, its objectives and its means. Because Europe goes on, and its institutions will continue to function fully.


Advertisement - scroll to continue reading

Are you getting our free newsletter?

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.

© Scoop Media

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading
 
 
 
World Headlines

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Join Our Free Newsletter

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.