Luxemburgse premier Juncker waarschuwt voor een verlamd Europa als Fransen EU-grondwet per referendum afwijzen (en)

Europe would be plunged into "absolute crisis" in the event of a French "no" to the Constitution, Luxembourg's Prime Minister Jean-Claude Juncker has warned.

Mr Juncker told French television yesterday (24 October), "A French `non' would lead Europe into an absolute crisis where there would be no more European dream, no more European ideal to nurture: it would be total paralysis".

And Mr Junker cast doubt on whether a country that said no to the Constitution could continue as a member of the European Union.

" [_] a country that said no would have to ask itself the question if it wants to continue being part of the European construction", he said.

Mr Juncker was joined in advocating a "yes" vote by fellow countryman, Jacques Delors - former President of the European Commission.

Interviewed on French Radio, Mr Delors said that the Constitution "was a good thing, I would say yes without a second thought, a combative yes for my vision of Europe".

French President Jacques Chirac has promised a referendum on the Constitution some time next year. There has been speculation recently that the date could be brought forward to May 2005.

Polls show that the French people are generally in favour of the European Constitution but there is a lively debate in the country - especially amongst the opposition Socialist party - and France has a history of extremely close votes on European issues.

A referendum on whether to ratify the Treaty of Maastricht in 1992 passed by a whisker.