Engaging citizens in the debate about the EU constitution

“And you, are you for or against the European constitution?” It is easy to imagine how many voters will find it difficult to answer this question in the coming months, whether at the pub or in the voting booth. Referenda on the constitutional treaty are nevertheless scheduled in nearly half of the EU member states and, at a time when the treaty is the focus of intense political battles, it is likely that national debates will be contaminated by local electoral considerations.