Belgium to call EU constitution referendum

Belgium today became the latest nation to call a referendum on the European Union constitution.

Prime Minister Guy Verhofstadt said it would likely be held in September, on the same day as a similar referendum in the Netherlands.

“Europe is more and more part of our national politics,” Verhofstadt said.

“I want a non-binding, consultative referendum.”.

But he added that he would “follow the advice” of the results.

Under Belgium’s national constitution, referendums cannot be binding.

EU leaders will try to finalise a first-ever constitution for Europe at their June 17-18 summit in Brussels.

A final deal however is still uncertain as several countries continue to oppose contentious proposals in the draft, including overhauling the 25-nation bloc’s voting system.

Ireland has also said it will hold a referendum on the constitution.

Other countries likely to hold votes on the charter include Estonia, Portugal, Britain and Denmark.