1. Introduction : a neglected stage in EU constitutional politics
2. EU ratification rules : origin and permanence
3. Procedures and actors in ratification : who participates and how
4. Referendums on ratification : why convene them?
5. Successful ratifications (1951-2009) : political strategies at work
6. Successful ratification with partial defection : Maastricht, Nice and Lisbon (strategies for bringing laggards back in)
7. Ratification failures : the EDC (1954) and the EU Constitution (2005)
8. Conclusion : the politics of ratification under unanimity.