EU Constitution Roadmap

In a speech Monday to members of his Social Democratic Party (SPD) before Germany takes it turn at the head of the rotating EU presidency in 2007, Steinmeier urged critics of the constitution, which was rejected last year by voters in France and the Netherlands, to start moving activities along.

"Two-thirds (of EU members) are behind the constitution," he said. "I believe everyone should feel an obligation because of that.

"If it is to be saved, and we urgently need it, everyone has to move their position. But some have to move more than others," he added.

Without naming other countries, he admitted to having seen encouraging signs out of Warsaw and Paris.

Votes for and against

In May, Finland's parliament voted in favor of the constitution, while Romania and Bulgaria -- which are expected to enter the European Union in 2007 -- will join the 15 who have ratified it for a two-thirds majority, Steinmeier said.

All EU members would have to ratify the constitution for it to be valid.

The treaty was aimed at streamlining decision-making in the EU after expansion into eastern Europe raised its size to 25 countries, but fears over enlargement, particularly Turkey's bid to join the bloc, were seen as the major reason for the rejection of the constitution.

Constitutional road map would be a success

Hopes are high that Germany can get Europe on track after the French and Dutch rejections plunged the bloc into crisis last year.

Steinmeier, whose SPD governs in coalition with Chancellor Angela Merkel's Christian Democratic Union, wanted to push down expectations for a breakthrough during Germany's six months with the EU presidency's gavel, which begin Jan. 1.

Last week Merkel said her government would lay out a "vision" by the end of its presidency to try and unite all sides without watering down the original charter.

"I'm against cherry picking, we mustn't just quickly pick out what we think is easiest and

leave the rest lying, but tackle things with ambition,"

It would be a success for the EU if member states could reach agreement on a blueprint calling for continued work on the treaty.

"There will not be a final result at the end of the German presidency, but rather, if things go well, there will be a decision to continue work for a constitution that is connected to a decision about model and schedule," he said.

Steinmeier's colleague and SPD party head Kurt Beck agreed, saying "natural and cultural sensitivities (as seen in Holland and France's rejection of the constitution) could be added into a preamble in the EU constitution."

"Our goal is nevertheless ambitious," Beck said. "We don't need any compromises on formula but rather a solution that makes Europe able to work and fit for the future."

Steinmeier said Germany's task would be to serve as a mediator in getting a road map on track. He said Germany should listen to EU members' views and hold off on making its own suggestions until the end of the presidency.