Greece and Spain seek to revive EU constitution debate

Greece and Spain on Tuesday said they would try to revive talks over a European Union constitution, a project thrown into crisis last year when it was rejected by French and Dutch voters.

"We have agreed ... to revive the debate on the ratification of the constitution," Greek Foreign Minister Petros Molyviatis told a news conference after talks with his Spanish counterpart.

"Europe cannot remain in limbo, as it is today," he added.

"We have to work together and agree on some way out of this impasse."

Spanish Foreign Minister Miguel Angel Moratinos said the EU "(needs) this political project in order to advance, and tackle the tremendous challenges we have to confront."

"I think that we have a better atmosphere now, after the signing of the EU's financial perspective," Moratinos said. EU countries clinched a deal in December last year on the bloc's budget for 2007-13.

The constitution, which is aimed at easing decision-making as the bloc expands, has been ratified by 13 member states including Greece and Spain. But the treaty, which must be ratified by all 25 members to become effective, was rejected by French and Dutch voters in mid-2005.

Moratinos was in Athens for a one-day official visit which included talks on regional issues and investment. He also met with Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis, President Karolos Papoulias, and Finance Minister George Alogoskoufis.