The race to ratify the European Union constitution is like a steeplechase in which the hurdles become progressively higher and more intimidating. All 25 EU countries must ratify the constitutional treaty for it to come into effect. Most will do it by parliamentary vote (three have already done so); but no fewer than ten have pledged to consult their voters direct. On February 20th the treaty cleared its first and lowest referendum hurdle, when the fiercely pro-European Spanish voted in favour by 77%. Naysayers pointed to the low turnout of only 42%. But it could be argued that it was a surprise so many Spaniards were prepared to take part in a vote which was a foregone conclusion.
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