"Europe's Relief After Irish Vote Yes"
Europe October 5, 2009, 11:54 AM EST, BusinessWeek.com
Those Europeans being whether involved in EU politics or just appearing to be interested were surely sensing that something essential was about to happen on the 3rd October 2009. The long-time ‘event’ took place in the so-called ‘heart of Europe’ on the early Sunday morning that challenged its folks to make a major decision not only in regard to their nation but the European society as a whole. Yes, the Irish voted for the second time on the future of the Lisbon Treaty with a positive outcome. Nevertheless, who will be in advantage and who under the greatest pressure the upcoming days? By reviewing the article posted on the BusinessWeek.com website and highlighting the background, worldwide reactions followed by the view on future outcomes, I would like to conclude with my personal opinion on this matter.
The European main decision-takers, the EU Commission, Council and Parliament, has been experiencing a lasting controversy while trying to persuade the Member States to act unanimously and confirm the next step of major changes towards deeply converged European Union.
After the refusal of common Constitution, Reform Treaty taken place in Lisbon in 2007 had almost to face the same outcome. By that time, only Ireland has voted against it, leaving fellow Member States waiting for Ireland to decide again in 2009. As it is stated in the article, results showed 61.7 % votes in favour of the new rules, while 39.9 % still have been against them.
The decision has not only been relieving for Brussels. By reading the quotes featured in the article, it can be seen that not only EU leaders, such as Commission President Jose Manuel Barosso and Swedish leader and current head of the EU Fredrik Reinfeld, but also the Irish Prime Minister Brian Cowen, have been speaking about ‘having a great day for Europe and a great day for Ireland’. Now, after having received the green light from Ireland, Europe is still waiting for its new ‘neighbours’ Poland and Szech Republic. The signatures of the two leaders of states are lacking under the Treaty that already passed the national parliaments. In response to the Irish U-turn, Polish President Lech Kaczynski has already indicated to sign it soon. It looks like EU could breathe out… Nevertheless, Szech leader, after having stated he might wait ‘til the end’ and for the Constitutional Court to decide, was nowhere to find. It is predictable that he may experience great pressures as well as strict supervision in the near future.
The emotional and clear depiction of the matter in the article makes the intentions of EU as well as its leaders and the great importance of ‘great news’ clearly understandable. Nevertheless, I have been missing some facts regarding the background and development of the Treaty. In my opinion, the article might not be understandable for everyone having different stage of knowledge regarding EU and its procedures. Speaking about the issue itself, I surely think it is a major step for Europe towards its integration that is more than required since the major enlargements during the past decades. The changes the Treaty brings are of a great importance, such as elimination of the 3 Pillar system of EU by making the Human Rights charter legally binding, creation of President of the EU Council and increasing the involvement of EU Parliament in legislative processes.
I can only join the leaders by saying: “It was clearly a great day for Europe and a great day for Ireland!”
The European main decision-takers, the EU Commission, Council and Parliament, has been experiencing a lasting controversy while trying to persuade the Member States to act unanimously and confirm the next step of major changes towards deeply converged European Union.
After the refusal of common Constitution, Reform Treaty taken place in Lisbon in 2007 had almost to face the same outcome. By that time, only Ireland has voted against it, leaving fellow Member States waiting for Ireland to decide again in 2009. As it is stated in the article, results showed 61.7 % votes in favour of the new rules, while 39.9 % still have been against them.
The decision has not only been relieving for Brussels. By reading the quotes featured in the article, it can be seen that not only EU leaders, such as Commission President Jose Manuel Barosso and Swedish leader and current head of the EU Fredrik Reinfeld, but also the Irish Prime Minister Brian Cowen, have been speaking about ‘having a great day for Europe and a great day for Ireland’. Now, after having received the green light from Ireland, Europe is still waiting for its new ‘neighbours’ Poland and Szech Republic. The signatures of the two leaders of states are lacking under the Treaty that already passed the national parliaments. In response to the Irish U-turn, Polish President Lech Kaczynski has already indicated to sign it soon. It looks like EU could breathe out… Nevertheless, Szech leader, after having stated he might wait ‘til the end’ and for the Constitutional Court to decide, was nowhere to find. It is predictable that he may experience great pressures as well as strict supervision in the near future.
The emotional and clear depiction of the matter in the article makes the intentions of EU as well as its leaders and the great importance of ‘great news’ clearly understandable. Nevertheless, I have been missing some facts regarding the background and development of the Treaty. In my opinion, the article might not be understandable for everyone having different stage of knowledge regarding EU and its procedures. Speaking about the issue itself, I surely think it is a major step for Europe towards its integration that is more than required since the major enlargements during the past decades. The changes the Treaty brings are of a great importance, such as elimination of the 3 Pillar system of EU by making the Human Rights charter legally binding, creation of President of the EU Council and increasing the involvement of EU Parliament in legislative processes.
I can only join the leaders by saying: “It was clearly a great day for Europe and a great day for Ireland!”
Please find the whole article on the following website:
Hi Olga,
ReplyDeleteInteresting article you've just reviewed! Hope things will soon move forward in the EU.
I'll send my comment by e-mail.
Regards,
Jannie