The Dutch government decided today it would ratify the proposed EU reform treaty without a referendum, removing a threat to the treaty's prospects.
European Union leaders agreed in June on a blueprint for the treaty to overhaul the enlarged 27-nation bloc's institutions, replacing a more ambitious EU constitution that was rejected by Dutch and French voters in 2005.
Some 62 per cent of Dutch voters rejected the treaty in 2005, partly because of concerns of a loss of national identity and hostility to further EU enlargement.
Prime Minister Jan Peter Balkenende said a referendum is not necessary this time as the treaty lacks constitutional elements. "This is a normal change of treaty and only needs a normal procedure to approve it," he told reporters today. He said the new treaty needed only parliamentary approval.
Mr Balkenende's Christian Democrats have always opposed a referendum but their Labour coalition partners supported one in last year's election. Mr Balkenende said today the whole cabinet supported the decision.
According to an opinion poll published today, 58 per cent of Dutch citizens would like to see a referendum, and this time 55 per cent would vote to approve it.
The decision was in line with advice from the Council of State which advises the government on legislation and governance. The treaty is due to be finalised next month.
The Dutch decision to ratify could be a relief for the British and Danish governments which are resisting demands for a referendum. Only Ireland is constitutionally bound to hold one. The Government plans to hold a referendum next summer.