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EU Divided in Wake of Ireland's 'No' Vote

Rejection could kill reform plans

By Matt Cantor,  Newser Staff

Posted Jun 14, 2008 12:55 PM CDT
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(Newser) – Irish voters' rejection of a treaty to reform the EU has left the bloc in turmoil, the BBC reports. France, Germany, and Britain say EU countries should continue to ratify the Lisbon Treaty, while the Czech president declared it dead. Fourteen of the 27 EU countries have approved the agreement, which needs unanimous support to pass; Ireland was the the only one to hold a referendum.

The plan was designed to beef up the body's effectiveness after absorbing 12 new members since 2004. Aggravating the situation is the fact that time is short: The treaty was to go into effect in 2009. In a regular summit next week, EU leaders will decide how to move forward; one possibility is a second Irish vote after some tweaking of the treaty.

Voters cast their ballots in a pollling centre in Dublin city center Thursday, June 12 2008.
Voters cast their ballots in a pollling centre in Dublin city center Thursday, June 12 2008.   (AP Photo/ Peter Morrison)
French President Nicolas Sarkozy, right, and German Chancellor Angela Merkel smile after being welcomed with military honors in Straubing, Germany, Monday, June 9, 2008.
French President Nicolas Sarkozy, right, and German Chancellor Angela Merkel smile after being welcomed with military honors in Straubing, Germany, Monday, June 9, 2008.   (AP Photo/Thomas Kienzle)
Anti-Lisbon graffiti is seen scrawled on a wall in Dublin, Ireland, Friday, June, 13, 2008.
Anti-Lisbon graffiti is seen scrawled on a wall in Dublin, Ireland, Friday, June, 13, 2008.   (AP Photo)
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Ireland rejects treaty
Times (UK)

Reaction in Italy ranges from concern to congratulations
ANSA (Italy)

Why Ireland voted no
Guardian (UK)

What the Lisbon Treaty would mean
Associated Press

 
European Union • Ireland • referendum • Treaty of Lisbon

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