France announces date for EU referendum

05/03/2005 - 17:54:27
France will hold a referendum on the European Union constitution on the May 29, the president's office has announced.

President Jacques Chirac has been a keen supporter of the treaty, which must be ratified by all 25 EU members.

Earlier this week the French parliament adopted an amendment to the country's constitution, to allow for the EU poll.

Spain became the first country to back the treaty through a referendum on February 20 while some countries have approved it with parliamentary votes.