European Union leaders on their way to sign the EU Constitution in Rome.

The constitution is to take effect in 2007 after ratification by the Parliaments of all EU states.

Indicative of the sensitive nature of the charter, at least nine countries -- Denmark, Spain, France, Ireland, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Portugal, the Czech Republic and Britain -- plan to put it to a referendum.

A "no" result in any single country would stop the EU Constitution in its tracks.

The constitution foresees simpler voting rules to end decision gridlock in a club that ballooned to 25 members this year and plans to absorb half a dozen more in the years ahead.

It includes a charter of fundamental rights and new powers for the European Parliament. National vetoes will be lifted in 45 new policy areas -- including judicial and police cooperation, education and economic policy -- but not in foreign and defense policy, social security, taxation and cultural matters.

The Japan Times Weekly: Nov. 6, 2004
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