Following the French and Dutch ‘no’ votes on the European Constitution, the Heads of State or Government call for a ‘period of reflection’ to enable a broad debate to take place in each Member State. On 13 October 2005, the European Commission launches its ‘Plan D’ (Democracy, Dialogue and Debate), demonstrating the key role it intends to play in these debates. The aim of Plan D is to establish a common framework for the 25 national debates by proposing various models and structures to the Member State governments and suggesting common procedures and major topics for discussion.