Originally published on the CGS blog on June 16, 2008.
The Lisbon Treaty was killed last Thursday in Ireland. Being the only country bound by its constitution to put the treaty to a referendum, Ireland cast it down by a margin of 53.4 to 46.6 percent. This poses significant drawbacks to ratifying the Lisbon Treaty, which is must be approved by all 27 member nations.
The Lisbon Treaty aspires to better organize the European Union’s administration and voting systems. After adding 12 members in 2004 it has become virtually impossible for the EU to function efficiently. In a complex 247 page document riddled with technical terminology, the Lisbon Treaty calls for creating a full time European president, a new foreign policy chief, and a smaller European Commission created by a rotation of seats. This is supposed to make decision making easier by not requiring the consent of all 27 member countries. Those opposing the treaty spread false rumors that it will decrease Ireland’s influence in the EU and raise taxes. It is not surprising that the Irish were confused on what they were voting!
Jose Manuel Barroso, the president of the European Commission, said he believed that the treaty was still “alive.” So far 18 countries have approved the treaty, and despite Ireland’s rejection, other EU members, who are likely to vote in favor of the Lisbon Treaty, will continue the ratification process. These nations hope to “lay the heat” on Ireland to put the treaty up for another vote.
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