THE European Commission is offering to help individual governments with public information campaigns on the European Union’s new constitution as they prepare for a series of ratification referendums across the Continent.

In a memo to her colleagues released yesterday, Margot Wallström, the commissioner in charge of communication policy, said that the institution would be “an active partner in informing European citizens about the content of the constitution and its advantages in relation to the present treaties”.

She added that the Commission would “do all it can to ensure the entry into force of the constitution”, and was ready to help member states with “the development of national strategies”.

This assistance could take the form of opinion surveys and media monitoring, initiatives to stimulate debates, the development of websites and videos, the production of brochures and the definitive version of the constitution in 20 languages.

The Commission, which was specifically asked by EU foreign ministers last November to consider what role it could play in the ratification process, says that it has no intention of becoming involved in domestic political battles. Its sole function would be to provide factual information in order to foster an informed debate.

José Manuel Barroso, the Commission President, has agreed to make two appearances in Spain, after being invited by the Government and the Opposition, before the national referendum on February 20.

But, while the Commission may have a role in some other countries, it is likely to approach Britain with more caution. A government spokesman said last night: “Clearly, it would be wrong for substantial Commission or European money to be spent in support of either side. The referendum is a matter entirely for the British people.”

The UK Independence Party said that it would “be disgraceful if taxpayers’ money were to be used to pay for the yes campaign”.

However, Richard Corbett, a British Labour MEP who helped to shape the draft constitution, says that the Commission has a legitimate role. “Provided it sticks to information and does not campaign, it can contribute to a better-informed debate,” he said. “If the antiEuropeans do not want that, it shows what they are up to.”

Confirmation of the planned information campaign coincided with the publication yesterday of the latest EU-wide survey of public attitudes towards the constitution.

It showed that 89 per cent of those polled knew little or nothing about it. Support for the treaty is lowest in Britain, with 20 per cent in favour and 30 per cent opposed.

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