Schröder streeft naar Duitse ratificatie Europese Grondwet vóór eind 2004 (en)

The German Chancellor has indicated that his country will seek to ratify the EU Constitution by the end of this year.

In an interview with the Financial Times, Gerhard Schröder said "The German constitution does not allow for a referendum. We will have a parliamentary process".

"We want to ensure this happens before the end of the year", said the Chancellor.

If the German parliament does approve the Constitution before the end of this year, Germany could be the first of the 25 member states to adopt the treaty.

Having the largest country and founding member of the EU adopt the document would send an important signal to other countries - all of which have to ratify the Constitution before it can come into force.

Mr Schröder's announcement comes just a day after France decided that it will put the Constitution to a referendum - probably in the second half of 2005.

At least nine other countries are also planning a referendum. Among them is the UK which many fear could reject the treaty - something which would throw the EU into political turmoil.

Mr Schröder's insistence that it will be done via the parliament comes as the Greens (who are in a governing coalition with the Social Democrats), the Liberal and the Communist parties are upping the pressure to ask the citizens.

The EU has two years from 29 October - the date the treaty will be signed - for the treaty to be ratified in the member states.