Constitution (2004)

REFERENDUMS HELD ON EUROPEAN MATTERS: 1

2003: EU - Accession (Yes 90 % - No 10 % - Turnout 63 %)

CONSTITUTIONAL CONDITIONS - Constitution of Lithuania

Binding referendum provided if constitutional amendment to fundamental principles of state effected but Art. 6 EU Treaty guarantees integracy of these principles.

ARTICLES ABOUT INTERNATIONAL TREATIES, REFERENDUM AND CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS

Regulation about a special transfer of sovereignty to EU:
none

Approval of transfer of sovereignty without effect of constitutional amendment:
Majority from parliament, Art. 138, 67 nr. 16, 69 ConstLithuania.

Approval of transfer of sovereignty with effect of constitutional amendment:
Not expressly regulated but constitutional amendment required.

Approval of constitutional amendment:
Two successive approvals from parliament with majority of 2/3 its members initiated by 1/4 from the members of parliament or at least 300.000 of the electorate, Art. 147, 148 III ConstLithuania. Amendment of the democratic and republican form of state has to be approved by referendum with majority of 3/5 from the electorate, Art 148 I ConstLithuania. Other fundamental principles of the state or the provisions for amending the constitution can only be amended with approval by referendum, Art. 148 II ConstLithuania.

Other constitutional regulations about referendums:
Referendums can be called on the most significant issues for the state and the people, can be requested by at least 300.000 of the electorate and people have the right of legislative initiative if submitted by 50.000 of the electorate, Art. 9, 68 II ConstLithuania.

RATING AND DEBATE

Lithuania has become the first country in the European Union to ratify the European Constitution. The Baltic state ratified the document via its parliament - the Seimas - by an overwhelming majority on 11 November 2004. Eighty-four parliamentarians voted in favour of the Constitution with four against and three abstentions. The opposition and some civic groups said the vote was purely political and was approved without any significant national debate. There was some small criticism regarding the time given to present the Constitution and the fear to evoke any public discussion during the short period before the ratification.

More background information...

Eurobarometer (2006), The Future of Europe - Results for Lithuania, Special Eurobarometer 251, Fieldwork: 23/02 – 15/03 2006. (PDF)

Eurobarometer report, (February 2004): 81% rather agree, 9% rather disagree*

*Are you rather agree or rather disagree with the statement: The European Union must adopt a Constitution.

Eurobarometer report, (January 2005): 51% favourable, 11% opposed*

*Based on what you know, would you say that you are in favour of or opposed to the draft European Constitution?

Eurobarometer report, (July 2005): 64% favourable, 9% opposed*

*Based on the question, are you for or against a constitution for the European Union?

Latest News

11.11.2004 Lithuania first to ratify EU Constitution. EUobserver.com

10.11.2004 Lithuania rushes to ratify EU constitution. The Baltic Times

PROCEDURE

Parliamentary Ratification

STATE OF THE PROCEDURE

Constitution has been ratified by an overwhelming majority. The Lithuanian parliament approved the treaty by 84 votes to four, with three abstentions.

DATE OF RATIFICATION

11.11.2004