A new constitution for Europe?

Europeans have long been debating the constitutional future of the European Union (EU). The focus of discussion has been the need for a European Constitution, its possible content and scope. In late 2001 the European Council—consisting of the heads of state or of government of the EU member states—convened the European Convention on the Future of Europe to consider, among other things, the possible adoption of a constitutional text. The European Convention’s deliberations ultimately led to the drawing up of a draft constitutional treaty, which was adopted by the Convention in June and July 2003 and signed in Rome on 29 October 2004. It was expected at the time that ratification of the Treaty would continue throughout 2005 and 2006