Having been signed by all heads of government on 29 October 2004, the European Constitution was intended to come into force on 1 November 2006.
"It is important not to forget how good the Constitution is, and how necessary for Europe's future. Nobody should be complacent about the EU's capacity to act effectively at home and abroad without the Constitution in force. Post-national parliamentary democracy will remain stunted unless we can re-found the Union on a proper, modern constitutional basis.
"The first of November must be a turning point in the period of reflection imposed on the EU by the French and Dutch referendums. From now onwards, we need concerted analysis and debate about how the 2004 treaty is to be renegotiated.
"Both the European Parliament and European Commission have a duty to take up this task. The Council will not succeed in improving the 2004 Constitution without our active participation in the renegotiation."
ENDS/...
