Resolution on the procedures for ratification of the Treaty establishing a Constitution for Europe and a communication strategy for the said Treaty

The European Parliament stated its intention of delivering its opinion on the constitutional Treaty as soon as possible after it has been signed. It felt that the Council should devise a coordinated approach to the timetabling of national ratification procedures and share best practice in terms of parliamentary scrutiny and referendum campaigning.

Parliament suggested that the period from 5 to 8 May 2005 might be chosen as a suitable period for holding the planned referenda on the Constitution or the parliamentary ratification in the Member States, as this period would be of symbolic value, both for peace on the continent and for European integration. The ratification process in all Member States should be accomplished by June 2006.

It is essential to emphasise the European dimension of the draft Constitution in the national ratification procedures in order to increase a shared sense of civic community across the Union. Parliament called on the Council and the Commission to draw up an appropriate campaign and communication strategy and declared that it was willing to contribute to this strategy.