Though a majority of French voters say they will approve the European Union (EU) constitution in a referendum on May 29, opposition to the treaty is growing, the results of an opinion poll showed Saturday.

The BVA survey for the L'Express weekly news magazine said opposition to the constitution has risen to 44 percent from 37 percent since January.

The survey showed a "No" vote had most support among public sector staff (57 percent).

French President Jacques Chirac on Wednesday signed a decree setting the date of a referendum on the EU constitution on May 29.

French political parties and their leaders have expressed theiropinions on the EU constitution and begun their campaigns to win voters in the referendum.

The EU constitution, aimed at ensuring the smooth functioning of the bloc following its enlargement to 25 members from 15, needsratification by all members.

The leaders of the bloc signed the treaty in Rome on Oct. 29, 2004. If successfully ratified by all parties, the constitution will come into effect on Nov. 1, 2006.

Xinhua