Frans-Duits reddingsplan in voorbereiding als EU-grondwet sneuvelt in meerdere lidstaten (en)

France and Germany are working on plans in case the ratification of the EU Constitution fails in one or more of the 25 member states.

Under the plans, according to FT Deutschland, only part of the Constitution would then come into force.

Speaking to journalists in Brussels on Monday (10 May), French foreign minister Michel Barnier said "we have to introduce criteria into the Constitutional text which will enable us to go forward in certain areas". He added that in such a case only parts of the text would go into force.

Mr Barnier, who has discussed the issue with his German counterpart Joschka Fischer, said that the vast part of the Constitution negotiations should be finished before the European Parliament elections in June (10-13).

"Before the elections there has to be a strong signal that things are developing in the right direction", said the French foreign minister.

His words follow a recent u-turn decision by the UK's Tony Blair to hold a referendum on the Constitution.

The UK's at times lukewarm relationship with the EU means the chances of a no vote are higher - and for the Constitution to go into force all 25 countries have to ratify it.

Foreign ministers will gather in Brussels next Monday (17 May) to try and bring forward the negotiations which are mainly centred around the new voting system, institutional issues and in which areas to keep member states' veto.

Meanwhile Irish prime minister and current head of the EU Bertie Ahern is conducting a whistlestop tour of EU capitals to look for agreement on the most contentious issues.

Mr Ahern will visit Cyprus on Wednesday, Malta, Italy and Greece on Thursday and Spain and Portugal on Friday.