Malta ratifies European constitution News
Malta ratifies European constitution

[JURIST] The Mediterranean island of Malta [government website in Maltese] became the latest nation to ratify the proposed EU constitution Wednesday. Despite initial opposition from the country's Labour Party [Wikipedia profile], the Maltese Parliament [official website, English version] approved the draft [text of resolution, in Maltese] with support from Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi [official website]. Last month, following “No” votes from France and the Netherlands, EU leaders decided to extend the ratification deadline [JURIST report] for the proposed constitution until at least 2007, rendering its political future uncertain. All 25 member nations must ratify the constitution for it to take effect. AP has more. Luxembourg is scheduled to vote on the charter in a high-stakes referendum [JURIST report] for that country's prime minister on July 10.