Blair Set to Become First European President

If Irish approve Lisbon treaty, ex-PM in line for newly created position

(NEWSER) - If Ireland votes yes on the Lisbon treaty, officially creating the role of EU president, Tony Blair is looking more and more like the man for the job. Not that the former UK prime minister has publicly expressed any interest—he's remained tactfully silent—but he has pockets of support and a dwindling list of rivals, writes David Charter in the Times of London. More»

(AP) - On the second try, Ireland has delivered "a convincing win" for the European Union's reform treaty, Irish Foreign Minister Micheal Martin said today, with the "yes" vote running about 60% nationwide in early returns. "I'm absolutely delighted for the country. It looks like a convincing win on this occasion," he said. "It's good for Ireland, because I do passionately believe our future is in the European Union and there was no real reason to vote no." More»

Sarkozy concerned by Ireland's rejection of central treaty

(NEWSER) - French President Nicolas Sarkozy said yesterday that “profound” changes are needed in Europe's strategy for growth as his nation takes over the helm of the EU, reports AFP. “There have been errors in the way that Europe has been built,” Sarkozy noted in the wake of Ireland’s vote against a major EU treaty. Many Europeans fear unification will worsen the negative effects of globalization, he says. "Something isn't right." More»

Some suggest meddling in referendum that has Europe in disarray

(NEWSER) - Pro-Europeans are claiming that American neoconservatives helped bankroll an effort to convince Irish voters to reject a key treaty, Der Spiegel reports. "Europe has powerful enemies on the other side of the Atlantic, gifted with considerable financial means," a French minister said after Ireland's thumbs-down roiled the continent. "The role of the American neo-cons was very important in the victory of the 'no'." More»

Finance ministers inching closer to a $171B deal

(NEWSER) - Eurozone finance ministers met in Brussels today, in a meeting that they believe will finalize a $171 billion second bailout for Greece, in exchange for roughly $264 billion in Greek government bonds. "I'd like to assume that we will come to a final and definitive agreement tonight," Luxembourg Prime Minister Jean-Claude Juncker said, according to the Wall Street Journal . "Greece has fulfilled all the prior commitments that we asked of it." More»