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News Archive 2004

28/10/2004
EU To Fund Campaign on Constitution Referendums

As EU Leaders meet in Rome tomorrow to sign the proposed EU Constitution, the European Parliament has approved information funding for the ratification process.

Although no rules or guidelines have yet been set down for this funding, which will total €9 million, MEPs have approved the appropriations as part of the 2005 EU Budget currently passing through the Parliament.

The text of the budget raises this funding from €1.5 million to €9 million, stating that the Parliament: "considers it unacceptable to allocate only €1.5 million to the information campaign 'Debate on the future of the European Union' in view of the coming referenda on the European Constitution and the campaign on 'Freedom, Justice and Security'; has therefore substantially increased this amount, in order to promote a broad public debate"

Jonathan Evans MEP, Leader of the Conservatives in the European Parliament, said: "The EU should not be interfering in the democratic processes of Britain. Providing EU funds that could influence a referendum campaign in the UK is completely wrong. The lack of rules to govern its allocation is extremely worrying. We are now in a position whereby the money will be divided up behind closed doors by a Committee."

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