On May 29, the French will vote for the EU constitution. A "non" vote in one of the most pro-Union countries will probably spell the end for this particular draft, if not delay further the process of European intergration for many years to come. At the moment polls suggest a small lead for those opposed to the constitution, including an unholy alliance of Right and Left wing groups.

In a recent article, the German philosopher Jürgen Habermas has urged the European Left to vote "yes" for a European constitution. His point is a simple one - the only way to protect the "European social model" against the excesses of neo-liberal economic reform is through the political will of united Europe, one strong enough to resist the globalisation agenda which is being dictated by the U.S. As we know, the individual nation-state is powerless to counter the pressures of global market forces in this respect. But on a European scale the Left will have the opportunity to push for their own economic agenda in favor of proper regulations.