Voters in France have been told they will have a say on the proposed EU Constitution in a referendum to be held on 29 May.
The office of the President, Jacques Chirac, announced the date of the poll this morning.
Commentators say that Mr Chirac is keen to hold the vote as soon as possible to capitalise on the recent Yes vote in Spain.
He also wants to avoid the constitution being used as a chance for the French to deliver a protest vote against his government's unpopular economic reforms.
