Claude Juncker plan a joint media appearance on Sunday night to try to reassure Europeans that the bloc will continue to function whatever the outcome. The 2000 Nice Treaty, the last attempt to reform the EU's institutions, will remain in force with a complex weighted voting system which critics say is a recipe for paralysis. Juncker has said a French "No" would be a catastrophe for Europe. It would make a deal on the long-term EU budget next month, already highly unlikely because of a looming early German election, even more difficult. That would delay extra aid to the new member states in eastern Europe. EU leaders hold their next regular summit on June 16-17 and will discuss how to go forward after the French and Dutch votes. No emergency meeting is planned before then, Juncker says. Much will depend on how President Jacques Chirac chooses to interpret the French vote, diplomats say. Britain, with perhaps the most Eurosceptical electorate, has said it plans to hold a referendum next year "unless there is no treaty to ratify". --more 2350 Local Time 2050 GMT
