EU CONSTITUTION: FRANCE TO HOLD POPULAR REFERENDUM ON CONSTITUTIONAL TREATY.

French MEPs immediately expressed their satisfaction at the announcement, but said: "let's think of Europe and forget Chirac - that's the best chance for the European Constitution". The French President has put his trust in the French people on this vital issue, hoping that politicians themselves will not spoil the debate. Alain Lamassoure, spokesman for the French delegation of the EPP-ED in the European Parliament, felt that Mr Chirac had made "a good choice for France and for Europe". He went on to say that the Union pour un Mouvement Populaire (UMP), the President's Party, had been campaigning for a referendum, and a Yes vote, since March. Thierry Cornillet, an MEP representing the Union for French Democracy has called for a single slot for EU referenda, from May 5-8 of next year. This arrangement would be analogous to last month's European Parliament elections.

At the European Commission, it is believed that two-thirds of the EU-25 should decide by referendum, whether this be on an advisory...