Anti-EU constitution groups join forces

Washinghton Times
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London, England, Jan. 11 (UPI) -- Opponents to the proposed European Union constitution launched a publicity campaign Tuesday in advance of coming referendums.

The European No Campaign is funded by British businesses and ran large newspaper ads Tuesday in European countries and The Times of London.
The group wants to coalesce expertise and tactics in the referendums to be held in 11 EU member states. It is now somewhat disorganized, as British businesses fear the constitution will enhance trade union power, while French socialists worry it is too free-market. The Danes are worried it undermines democracy, the Dutch are worried about their national identity and Irish peace campaigners say it turns the EU into a military power.

Opinion polls indicate Britain, which will hold its referendum in March 2006, is the most likely to reject the constitution, followed by Poland, the Czech Republic and Denmark.

The ad's release coincides with a $500,000 party hosted by the European Parliament in Strasbourg to promote the constitution, including travel for 100 journalists.

Parliament is expected overwhelmingly to endorse the constitution in a vote Wednesday, The Times said.