EU Constitution: MPs Convene to Ratify the Treaty

Ljubljana, 01 February

The National Assembly will convene this afternoon to ratify the EU constitutional treaty in a move that would make Slovenia the third EU country to do so. A two-thirds majority or 60 "yes" votes are needed for the document get the green light.

The government-sponsored ratification bill is expected to be passed in a landslide majority as none of the parliamentary parties has voiced opposition to the landmark document, which will thoroughly change the EU's institutional framework.
The parties are in unison that the solutions in the treaty are favourable for Slovenia, giving the country a good institutional status and thereby a solid basis for the promotion of the country's interests.
MPs from all parts of the political spectrum also agree that the constitution is a right step towards greater transparency and efficiency. However, debates in parliamentary working bodies did reveal one aspect on which the parties disagree: the timing.
While everyone is convinced that the constitution should be ratified, some MPs, notably from the opposition ranks, have said that the public should be provided with sufficient information about the constitution and its implications before the parliament rubber-stamps it.
Upon the ratification, the focus is expected to shift to a comprehensive information campaign. Some parliamentary parties and NGOs believe that the information provided so far was insufficient. They insist that a broad public debate must follow.
According to the latest Eurobarometer poll, 73% of Slovenians know little or nothing about the document that will affect many aspects of their lives.
To improve public awareness about this key document for the EU, the government has decided to coordinate and conduct an intensive two-year campaign through its PR and Media Office and with the help of NGOs, the European Commission Representation Office and the European Parliament's office in Ljubljana.
Before it can take effect, the constitution must be confirmed in all member states, some of which will hold referendums that promise to be very tight. Rejection in any of the 25 member states would push the EU into an unprecedented institutional crisis.

EU Constitution: MPs Convene to Ratify the Treaty

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