News in English
4 Jun 08 - EN Irish farmers back 'yes' to EU treaty
Ireland's biggest farmers' group on Tuesday (3 June) said it would encourage its members to vote in favour of the EU Lisbon treaty in a referendum on 12 June, with the decision expected to boost the "yes" side's result. Read more...
2 June 08 - EN EU accused of 'step back' on transparency
The EU's transparency watchdog will today strongly criticise the European Commission's commitment to openness, saying its recent proposals on document access represent a "step backwards." Read more...
30 May 08 - EN [COMMENT]: Velleity threatens Irish referendum, despite urgent global concerns
...It is not the case, as those who are urging a "no" vote are wont to claim, that by voting "no" you are voting for the status quo. That the next decade will simply be a repeat of the last decade and the one after that likewise. Read more...
26 May 08 - EN Voting gap narrows ahead of Irish referendum
The gap between the Yes and the No camps ahead of the EU treaty referendum in Ireland is narrowing, according to the latest poll. Read more...
23 May 08 - EN McCreevy admits he has not read Lisbon Treaty
Irish EU Commissioner Charlie McCreevy has admitted that he has not read the Lisbon Treaty. This comes shortly after the Taoiseach (Irish Prime Minister) Brian Cowen revealed that he neither had read the document that he and Commissioner McCreevy are urging the Irish people to vote in favour of. Read more...
22 May 08 - EN Lisbon treaty not an easy sell
With just three weeks to go before Ireland's highly anticipated referendum on the Lisbon treaty, Ireland's European Commissioner has admitted that the document is hard to sell because it does not bring tangible benefits to the population. Read more...
22 May 08 - EN ICTU backs Lisbon Treaty
The pro-Lisbon Treaty camp has received a major boost after the Irish Congress of Trade Unions (Ictu) announced it was backing a Yes vote. ICTU's Executive Council opted to support the document by a majority of 14 to five. But the announcement does not stop individual unions from rejecting the Treaty and two of the country's largest - Unite and the Technical Engineering and Electrical Union - have already advised members to vote no.
16 May 08 - EN Study sees no realistic Plan B in case of Irish EU treaty rejection
A rejection by Irish voters of the EU treaty in next month's referendum would be a "catastrophe" for Europe, as there is no credible Plan B, a new study has concluded. Read more...
15 May 08 - EN Irish PM takes hard line on EU treaty rebels
Irish prime minister Brian Cowen has warned that he will not tolerate opponents to the EU treaty from within his own party Fianna Fail, raising the prospect of explusion for any rebels. Read more...
13 May 08 - EN Dublin launches EU treaty 'yes' campaign
The Irish government has launched its campaign in favour of the EU treaty with the new prime minister, Brian Cowen, calling for a "yes" vote in next month's referendum. Read more...
9 Mai 07 - EN Danes likely to have referendums on treaty opt-outs
The Danish centre-right government has launched negotiations with opposition parties to agree on a strategy for scrapping opt-outs from the EU treaties, with the government hoping to abolish the derogations in two steps, according to Danish media reports. Read more...
9 May 08 - EN Latvia and Lithuania ratify the Lisbon Treaty
Slovenian Presidency welcomes the ratification of the Lisbon Treaty in the parliaments of Latvia and Lithuania. The two countries have thus joined the other Member States that had already endorsed the Treaty in their parliaments. Read more...
28 Apr 08 - EN 80% do not understand Lisbon - survey
A survey released by the Referendum Commission today found a very low level of understanding about the Lisbon Treaty among the public. Read more...
28 Apr 08 - EN Taoiseach warns No to Lisbon would be 'disaster'
A NO vote in the upcoming referendum on the Lisbon Treaty would be a "disaster for the country", the Taoiseach said yesterday. Bertie Ahern gave a stark warning against complacency among voters and politicians, and spelled out the difficulties ...Read more
27 Apr 08 - EN Poll shows dramatic fall in support for Lisbon Treaty
Public opinion has moved sharply against the Lisbon Treaty, with the Yes side now enjoying only a slender lead, according to the latest Sunday Business Post/Red C monthly tracking poll. Support for the treaty has fallen from 43 per cent in February to 35 per cent today...Read more...
25 Apr 08 - EN Treaty to be examined by Czech and German courts
The Lisbon treaty is set to be examined to see if it breaches national laws in two member states. The Czech Senate on Thursday (24 April) voted in favour of asking the constitutional court to check whether the treaty is in line with Czech law. Read more...
24 Apr 08 - EN Denmark signs off on Lisbon Treaty
Denmark on Thursday (24 April) ratified the EU's new treaty, just a day after Portugal approved the document. The Danish parliament passed the document with 90 votes in favour and 25 against, although 64 deputies from the 179-seat parliament were absent. Read more...
23 Apr 08 - EN Portugal approves Lisbon Treaty
Portugal's parliament have approved the European Union reform treaty which was signed by the 27-nation bloc in Lisbon; during the country's EU presidency last year.The treaty still needs to be ratified by Portugal's President Anibal Cavaco Silva. Read more...
22 April 08 - EN UK court case over Lisbon Treaty begins
In the British High Court today, an attempt will be made to hold the Prime Minister and his Foreign Secretary to account for failing to keep the Government's repeated promises to the electorate on holding a referendum on the Lisbon Treaty. Read more...
21 Apr 08 - EN Entrepreneur backs No vote against Lisbon Treaty 'drivel'
ULICK McEVADDY, the prominent aviation entrepreneur, has publicly backed the campaign for a No vote in the Lisbon Treaty on the grounds that it is "unintelligible drivel" and will adversely affect Ireland's low tax regime. Read more...
21 Apr 08 - EN Tax harmonisation "by back door"threatens economy
Last week, Jose Manuel Barroso assured Irish business people that the Lisbon Treaty would not mean harmonised corporation taxes. He pointed out that we could veto any attempt to introduce CCCBT across the EU. Read more...
21 Apr 08 - EN Cherie Blair's firm hired to stop EU treaty
One of Britain's richest men has hired Cherie Blair's law firm to advise him on a £750,000 High Court battle that could force Gordon Brown to hold a referendum on the Lisbon Treaty. Stuart Wheeler will go to the High Court in London tomorrow to seek a judicial review of the Government's decision. Read more...
20 Apr 08 - EN Lisbon treaty website launched
A new website providing information on the Lisbon Treaty was today launched to educate voters in advance of June’s crucial referendum. Established by the Referendum Commission, the independent body set up to boost public awareness on the issue, the site sets out what the treaty is about and how the EU will be changed if ratified. Read more...
18 April 08 - EN Farmers protest over trade deal fears
Over 10 000 farmers took to the streets of Dublin to protest against EU proposals they fear will destroy the Irish Beef and Dairy Industry. In reference to the upcoming World Trade Organisation (WTO) talks Padraig Walshe, President of the Irish Farmers Association said "Don't come back from Geneva having sold us out. Thousands of workers in the food industry will lose their jobs, hundreds of businesses will have to close down. Don't expect us to do your bidding in the referendum." Read more...
17 April 08 - EN Brussels delays budget reform talks
An open public debate on the EU budget's reform, launched last September, has been given two additional months, fuelling speculations that Brussels is trying to avoid a negative impact on the Lisbon Treaty's ratification in Ireland. Read more...
17 April 08 - EN EU commissioner distances herself from treaty e-mail
Margot Wallstrom - who was implicated in the leaked email scandel - has denied she told the Irish Government Brussels would "tone down" initiatives before the Irish referendum on the Lisbon Treaty. Read more...
17 April 08 - EN Commission denies claims in leaked memo
The European Commission has denied claim that it would put off announcing anything controversial until after the Irish referendum. A leaked British diplomatic email claims commission officials told Irish politicians that it was willing to tone down or delay messages that could be unhelpful during the referendum campaign. Read more...
16 April 08 - EN Irish MEP attacked after Treaty meeting
Irish Labour MEP Prionsias De Rossa was allegedly beaten up after a public meeting to discuss the Lisbon Treaty in Dublin last night. The local police are looking into this horrific event, but have not yet release any details. Read more...
16 April 08 - EN French report calls for revision of EU's reform plan
An internal French report on how Paris is performing in implementing economic reforms, included the EU's Lisbon agenda, shows France is lagging behind but also claims that the whole policy package should be radically revised, French media reported on Wednesday. Read more...
16 Avr 08 - EN Swedish EU commissioner distances herself from treaty e-mail
EU COMMISSIONER Margot Wallstrom has denied she told the Government Brussels would "tone down" initiatives before the Irish referendum on the Lisbon Treaty. Read more...
15 April 08 - EN Irish government embarrassed by leaked email
German chancellor Angela Merkel has called on Irish voters to back the EU treaty on the same day that the Irish government was embarrassed by a leaked email outlining what a UK diplomat says is Dublin's strategy for holding and winning a referendum. Read more...
14 Avr 08 - EN Merkel in Dublin Urges Irish to Say 'Yes' to EU
German Chancellor Angela Merkel urged Irish voters Monday to allow the European Union to "continue to flourish" by voting in favor of the EU reform treaty in a referendum in June. Read more...
11 April 08 - EN Slovak Parliament Ratifies Treaty
Yesterday the Slovak Parliament approved the Lisbon Treaty. 103 MPsof the 150 member chamber voted in favour of the document. Read more...
11 April 08 - EN Polish President signs first step towards ratification
The Polish President Lech Kaczynski has sign an authorization bill, which is the first stage of him ratifying the Lisbon Treaty. The Lisbon Treaty bill has been approved by both houses of the Polish Parliament. It will only become law once the President has signed it. Read more...
10 April 08 - EN Austria Ratifies Lisbon Treaty
Despite many protests calling for a referendum the Austrian Parliament has ratified the Lisbon Treaty, becoming the next country to deny its people the referendum they have asked for. Read more...
10 April 08 - EN Slovakia to vote on treaty despite press bill row
Despite not having clear up the issue over the Press Bill, which the Slovak opposition party has criticised and has said that they would not vote in favour of the treaty if the bill were not changed the Slovak government will today hold a vote on the Lisbon Treaty. The bill has been criticised my democracy watchdogs like the OSCE. Read more...
10 April 08 - EN Treaty behind change to neutrality clause - Malta
Malta's Campaign for National Independence (CNi) chairman and former Prime Minister Karmenu Mifsud Bonnici has stated that the real reason behind the Maltese government wanting to change the neutrality clause in the Constitution is because the ratified Lisbon Treaty imposes military alliances. Read more...
09 Avr 08 - EN Cowen unveiled as Ahern's successor
Taoiseach-in-waiting Brian Cowen was publicly unveiled as Fianna Fáil party leader-designate today outside the Dáil this morning. Read more...
09 Avr 08 - EN Anti-Lisbon campaigners make case
Campaigners from a number of groups opposed to the Lisbon Treaty made presentations to the Oireachtas Committee on European Affairs yesterday, arguing that the treaty would undermine workers' rights, usher in a "European super state" with a military dimension and damage the interests and role of small member states like Ireland. Read more...
08 Avr 08 - EN Ahern to push for Yes vote on Lisbon
Ahern intends to play "an active role" in the campaign for a Yes vote on the Lisbon Treaty for EU Reform, even though he will have resigned as head of Government by the time the referendum takes place. Read more...
08 Avr 08 - EN Ahern one of several possible candidates for EU President
The President of the European Parliament has said Bertie Ahern is one of a number of possible candidates for the planned new position of EU President. Read more...
8 April 08 - EN France seeks to introduce common corporate tax plan
French Foreign Minister Christine Lagarde together with the EU Commissioner for tax Laszlo Kovacs have drawn up common rules for computing corporate taxes. The French Foreign Minister also supports the Commission's plan to introduce a common consolidated corporate tax base throughout the EU. Commission officials have indicated that the controversial tax plan would not be presented prior to the Irish referendum - for fear of a negative vote - however the proposal will be published this autumn. Read more...
8 April - EN Slovak President lashes out at treaty ratification wrangle
The Slovak president has commented on the delay of the Lisbon Treaty ratification in Slovakia. The opposition party needs to support the government in order for the ratification bill to be passed in the parliament. Read more...
07 Avr 08 - EN Forceful Campaign Against Lisbon Treaty in Austria
Again, some 8000-10,000 protesting citizens in Vienna surrounded the parliament last Saturday; this action organized by the leftwing platform "Volksabstimmung," with participation by attac France. Read more...
7 April 08 - EN Lisbon Treaty Debates go on YouTube
The National Forum on Europe in Ireland has set up their own YouTube channel. The channel will provide short clips of the meetings and prominent speakers making their case for and against the Lisbon Treaty. Read more...
3 April 08 - EN Polish opposition party want to put Treaty before Constitutional Tribunal
Senator Piotr Andrzejewski from the Polish Law and Justice Party told a Polish radio this morning that he intends to appeal to the Constitutional Tribunal against the Ratification Bill. Read more...
2 April 08 - EN Polish parliament approves EU treaty
The lower house of the Polish parliament approved the European Union's new treaty on Tuesday (1 April). The document was approved by 384 deputies from the 460-seat lower house, the Sejm. Read more...
2 April 08 - Taoiseach Bertie Ahern resigns
2 April 08 - EN Final attempt for EU treaty poll in UK set to fail
A final attempt by the British opposition to get a referendum on the EU's Lisbon treaty is close to failing after the Liberal Democrat members of the country's upper house suggested they would vote against such a move. Read more...
31 Mar 08 - EN Push for referendum on the UK not over
After passing through the House of Commons the bill needed to ratify the Lisbon Treaty now has to pass through the House of Lords - the upper house of the British parliament. There has been a creation of a cross party group within the Lords to make the Labour government honour their manifesto commitment on holding a referendum. Read more...
31 Mar 08 - EN Deal is struck in Poland over Lisbon Treaty
The Polish government and opposition have struck a deal over the ratification of the Lisbon Treaty. The ratification bill which could be voted on as early as next Tuesday will be accompanied by a resolution containing references to Poland's sovereignty - the opposition wanted to a preamble to the bill guaranteeing Poland's sovereignty . Read more...
28 Mar 08 - EN Sarkozy praises Brown over lack of democracy
French President Nicolas Sarkozy embarrased British Prime Minister yesterday by praising his "courage and loyalty" for not putting the Lisbon Treaty to a referendum. Read more...
27 Mar 08 - EN Slovakia still in difficulties over treaty ratification
The Slovakian parliamentary committee for media and culture has recommended the approval of a new Press Act for Slovakia. However the opposition party says that the Act does not go far enough, and Slovakia cannot pass the treaty which includes the Fundamental Charter of Rights which includes the freedoms of expression and the press, and pass an Act which does not truly encompass these freedoms. Read more...
26 Mar 08 - Would a No vote be bad for business?
26 Mar 08 - EN Portugal set to ratify treaty next month
The Portugese parliament is set to vote to ratify the lisbon treaty on the 23rd April. It has been said that the vote is nothing more than a formality with the governing Socialist Party holding an absolute majority. Read more...
21 Mar 08 - EN Bulgaria Ratifies Treaty
After only five hours of parliamentary debate, Bulgaria became the sixth country to ratify the Lisbon Treaty. Read more...
17 Mar 08 - EN Kaczynski twins threaten ratification of Lisbon Treaty
The Polish opposition, led by former Prime Minister Jaroslaw Kaczynski, has threatened not to approve the EU's Lisbon Treaty unless the ratification bill contains legal guarantees respecting Poland's sovereignty and its constitution ... Read more...
14 Mar 08 – EN Fairness should be restored for Lisbon poll
OPINION: The role assigned to the Referendum Commission in the wake of the 1995 Supreme Court judgment has been seriously weakened, writes Patricia McKenna. Read more...
14 Mar 08 - EN Merkel to travel to Ireland for EU treaty vote
German chancellor Angela Merkel is to travel to Ireland next month to help persuade Irish citizens to vote yes in the country's referendum on the EU treaty. She is expected to make a keynote speech in favour of the EU treaty, which Germany was largely responsible for putting together. Read more...
13 Mar 08 - 12th June looks set to be referendum date in Ireland
12 Mar 08 - EN Czech Parliament to debate treaty next week
The Czech Chamber of Deputies will begin debating on the Lisbon Treaty next week. The vote to pass the treaty is likely to take place during the autum. This is so the Constitutional Court can rule on whether the treaty is compatible with the Czech Constitution and because some parties have suggested that the Treaty should not be passed without the full wording of the treaty which is not yet the case. Read more...
12 Mar 08 - EN Could Finland snuff out the Lisbon Treaty?
The European Union banned the sale of snuff with the exception of Sweden as it became an issue related to their accession. The government of the Finnish ireland Aaland wants to still be able to sell snff in Swedish waters and if unable to do so might reject the Lisbon Treaty. Read more...
12 Mar 08 - EN Ireland to hold EU treaty referendum in June
The Irish government has indicated that the country's highly anticipated referendum on the EU treaty is to take place in the second week of June. The Irish media are suggesting it will probably fall on 12 June. Read more...
12 Mar 08 - Libertas launches its No Campaign
11 Mar 08 - EN German court to decide on EU treaty complaint
Germany's highest court is to decide upon a complaint brought by a German MP against the EU's latest treaty. Peter Gauweiler wants the country's constitutional court to decide on the legality of the Lisbon Treaty, currently undergoing ratification across the 27-member European Union. Read more...
7 Mar 08 - June 5th now said to be likely date of the referendum
6 Mar 08 - UK referendum bid defeated
3 Mar 08 - 88% want a referendum in the UK
27 Feb 08 - Dublin agrees wording for EU treaty referendum bill
21 Feb 08 - Irish Prime Minister Calls those who oppose the Treaty 'loo-las'
7 Mar 08 - EN Lack of referendum date angers Yes and No side
Despite having published the Lisbon Treaty Referendum Bill and setting up the Referendum Commission the Taoiseach is yet to announce a date for the referendum in Ireland. Campaigners from both sides of the debate are asking Ahern what has to hide by putting off naming a date. Read more...
6 Mar 08 - EN UK referendum bid defeated
Yesterday the lower house of the British parliament voted by a majority of 63 against holding a referendum on the Lisbon Treaty. Some MPs hope that a referendum still might be attained by the House of Lords, the parliaments upper house. Read more...
6 Mar 08 - EN UK referendum bid defeated
The UK's parliament has rejected a call for referendum on the new EU's Lisbon treaty, a move representing a victory for Labour Prime Minister Gordon Brown which has argued in the face of bitter opposition that there should not be a public poll. Read more...
5 Mar 08 - EN A damaging blow to democracy
Coordinator of the ERC Thomas Rupp has commented in the EUObserver.com today about the damage to democracy caused by the European Parliament's decision not to respect the outcome of the Irish referendum on the Lisbon Treaty. 499 MEPs voted against respecting the vote. Read more...
4 Mar 08 - EN British MPs vote tomorrow on holding a referendum
MPs in the UK will vote tomorrow on an amedment to the European Union Bill (which will pave the way for the Lisbon Treaty) put forward by the British Conservative Party. This amendment calls for a referendum on the Treaty. It is hoped that rebel Labour MPs and Liberal Democrat MPs will join the Conservatives in voting for this amendment, thus allowing British citizens the right to have a say on the treaty. Read more...
3 Mar 08 - EN Protesters climb crane in the UK calling for a vote
Protesters representing a group "We Are Change" climbed to the top of a crane near Westminister Parliament and unveiled banners saying "Referendum Now" and "Give Us Our Vote". Read more...
3 Mar 08 - EN 88% want referendum in UK
The results of the mini-referendums carried out in the UK by the "I want a referendum" campaign have shown that 88%of the people who voted wanted a referendum. Read more...
21 Feb 08 - Anti-Lisbon protests as European Parliament approves treaty
18 Feb 08 - 29th May is set as the prefered referendum date.
18 Feb 08 - Dublin Chamber of Commerce calls for its member to support the Lisbon Treaty.
29 Feb 08 - EN Poland looks set to ratify treaty
The lower house of the Polish Parliament has voted in favour of ratifying the Lisbon Treaty. The parliament will now pass a bill authorizing the president to sign the ratification of the treaty. Read more...
28 Feb 08 - EN 'Thousands' Protest Against Lisbon Treaty in the UK
Thousands of people gathered yesterday outside the British Parliament to demand a referendum be held on the Lisbon Treaty. They claimed that the Treaty is the same as the previous EU constitution, the government promised a referendum on. Read more...
28 Feb 08 - 'Thousands' Protest Against Lisbon Treaty in the UK
28 Feb 08 - EN German Judge Questions Democratic Innovations in Lisbon Treaty
Germany's most senior judge has said that although democracy has been strengthened by the Treaty, a key innovation involving national parliaments does not go far enough and there is no guarantee that the EU's powers will not grow. Read more...
25 Feb 08 - EN UK liberal leader calls for vote on EU membership
Nick Clegg, leader of the British Liberal Democrats, the UK's third biggest political party, is calling for a referendum on the country's EU membership, in a bid to end a "crazy" debate on Europe and on a new Lisbon treaty among British politicians. Read more...
20 Feb 08 - EN MEPs vote in favour of EU treaty
Adopted on Wednesday (20 February) by 532 votes in favour, 115 against and 29 abstentions, the three-hour long debate preceding it ranged from those strongly in favour of the treaty to those accusing member states of bypassing EU citizens by not having a referendum. Read more...
19 Feb 08- EN "I want a referendum" boycotted
The Daily Echo reports that CHRIS HUHNE, Eastleigh's MP, wants his constituents to boycott a postal ballot for a referendum on the EU reform treaty. Read more...
19 Feb 08- EN Diverse UK points of view about the treaty
The Tories are against it, and in favour of a referendum, Labour are for it, but against a referendum, despite their manifesto promise, so Robert Colvile tries to make the situation clearer in UK about the Lisbon treaty. Read more...
15 Feb 08- EN A referendum in East Renfrewshire
The Scottish National Party (SNP) is drumming up support for the postal vote referendum on the EU Reform Treaty in East Renfrewshire. Read more...
14 feb 08- EN When democracy is beaten-out
Denis’ testimony makes us think bitterly about the behaviour of some police representatives during a pacifist gathering like the Versailles demonstration last 4th February. Read more...
14 Feb 08- EN Ratification's problems in Denmark
Openeurope reports that The Chairman of the EU Committee in the Danish Parliament, Svend Auken of the Social Democrats, has threatened that his party will not vote in favour of the revised EU Constitution, until the possible effects of the Vaxholm case on the Danish labour market model have been fully identified. Read more...
14 Feb 08- EN Treaty at the center of European debate
In the Yorkshire Post, Jon Trickett stresses on the importance of holding a real debate about the treaty. Read more...
14 Feb 08- EN Referendum in Ireland in springtime
The Lisbon Treaty will be put to the electorate in late May or early June. Read more...
14 Feb 08- EN Irish people warned by their governement
Minister for European Affairs Dick Roche said that the Lisbon Treaty is "critically important" for Ireland's economic future and added that "There's no doubt rejection is not a cost-free option for Ireland". Read more...
13 Feb 08- EN Still undecision in Ireland
Debate is going on, and the large majority of Irish citizens (64%) are still undecided, reports a TNS-MRBI poll in The Irish Times on 26 January. Read more...
13 Feb 08- Dick Roche Irish Minister for Europe warns against a no vote on the Lisbon Treaty
12 Feb 08- EN How will Italy ratify the treaty ?
Italian President Giorgio Napolitano said yesterday during a speech at the Trento University, that even during the elections, Italy should ratify the treaty, because "Time is running". Read more...
12 feb 08- EN Journalists are not allowed to read the treaty
Vincent Browne, in the Irish Business News, tells his story at the offices at the European Commission. When he asked to read the "Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union" to understand the Lisbon treaty, he was told that this version wasn't available. Read more...
12 Feb 08- EN Debate is going on in UK
The Telegraph reports that The House of Commons is about one third of the way through its debate on the Treaty of Lisbon. Read more...
12 Feb 08- EN Nordic system endangered by the Lisbon treaty
The Danish governement plans to ratify the treaty during the spring 2008. Nevertheless, Denmark and Nordic government are carefully analizing the chages that the Lisbon treaty will bring to the Nordic system of collective bargaining. Read more...
11 Feb 08- EN A press overview of the "French discret yes"
"Der Standard", "le courrier" and "les dernière nouvelles d'Alsace" complaign about the lack of democracy during the French ratification. Read more...
8 Feb 08 - EN Report on French ratification of the Lisbon Treaty
France has ratified the Treaty today. After the four-step process completed in just a few days, the French have changed their constitution, and attained the agreement of their government, National Assembly and Senate to pass the Lisbon Treaty. What they forgot to do was to get the agreement of the French people. Read our ERC Report on France for more details.
8 Feb 08- EN A referendum in Wales ?
"I want a referendum campaign" has launched a campaign in north Wales. That is why voters in Redditch will be some of the first in the country to to say if they think Britain should hold a referendum on the revised EU constitution. Read more...
8 Feb 08- EN France ratified the treaty
Both National Assembly and Senate voted strongly in favour of the treaty yesterday. Apparently, socialists who were in favour of a referendum didn't vote against it. Read more...
7 Feb 08- EN Will the Lisbon treaty relaunch Europe ?
That's is the question that the Courrier International asks. France is indeed bound to ratify the treaty officially adopted, but does that mean that Europe will be safe ? Read more...
5 Feb 08- EN Austria will ratify the treaty in April
Accordina to Die Presse, Austrian government intends to ratify the treaty around 9th or 10th April.
5 Feb 08- EN Sanctions for four UK pro-referendum
The Labour party hasn't beared it. Frank Field, Kate Hoey, Gisela Stuart and Graham Stringer received indeed sanctions to have organised local referenda through the I want a referendum campaign. Read more...
5 Feb 08- EN Romania, the fourth country to ratify the EU treaty
As the EUObserver reports, the country's parliament adopted the document late Monday (4 February) by an overwhelming majority of 387 votes in favour, one vote against and one abstention. Read more...
5 Feb 08- EN France has changed its Constitution
Yesterday, in Versailles, French Senators and MP's have voted the Constitution's change to make it compatible with the Lisbon treaty. As previous, French socialist have been very divided on the topic. Read more...
1 Feb 08- EN An American point of view
The United Press International makes its own commentary on what is happening in UK and in the whole EU around the Lisbon treaty issue. Read more...
1 Feb 08- EN Suspense in Slovakia
After a row about the EU Treaty in the Slovakian Parliament, the vote about it has been postponed for the third time. Slovakian MP's will vote on it on February 7th. Read more...
31 Jan 08- EN UK referendum's supporters won't give up
According to the Telegraph, some chances remain to hold a referendum. Read more...
31 Jan 08- EN Conflicts in Slovakia about EU treaty
According to EUObserver, The EU's treaty has been held captive by the Slovak centre-right opposition since Monday (28 January). Even though an overwhelming majority backs the document, they are refusing to vote in favour of the treaty unless the government redrafts a separate media bill. Read more...
30 Jan 08 - EN Slovenia and Malta Ratify Treaty
On Tuesday 29th January both Slovenia and Malta ratified the Lisbon Treaty. Read more...
29 Jan 08- EN A referendum in Yorkshire
The Yorkshire Post reports that a campaign group is to hold its own referendum on the European Union reform treaty in a marginal Yorkshire constituency in a bid to push Gordon Brown into holding a national vote. Read more...
29 Jan 08- EN "A blank cheque" from the UK MP's
The Sunday Time reveals that some key points of the Lisbon Treaty (like the EU army) remain still unclear until the europsceptic countries will ratify it. Read more...
29 Jan 08- EN Suspense on the EU polls' date in Ireland
For the moment, the draft legislation on holding a referendum is "almost complete", so we can assume that a referendum should be held between 30 and 90 days after this. Read more...
28 Jan 08- EN The "Push Pull" between UK and Europe
The Economist explains how do the three main parties in UK struggle about EU referendum. Read more...
28 Jan 08- EN Pressures in Wales for a referendum
The IC Wales reports that a campaign group that wants a UK-wide referendum is financing the vote in Llandudno’s Aberconwy constituency to put pressure on the Westminster Government to hold a UK-wide poll. Ballots must be returned by February 27. Read more...
28 Jan 08- EN A referendum date in Ireland ?
The Euobserver reports that Irish opposition leader Enda Kenny has called on Prime Minister Bertie Ahern to set a date for the referendum on the Lisbon Treaty. Read more...
24 Jan 08- EN Is history repeating ?
In The Independent, a parallel can be drawn between the Maastricht Treaty and the Lisbon Treaty about all the passions that both provoked. Read more...
24 Jan 08- EN Nick Clegg, considered as a betrayer
The Daily Mail reports that party leader Nick Clegg risked outraging hundreds of thousands of voters by admitting he would help the Government scupper Tory plans to force a ballot. Read more...
24 Jan 08- EN The Lisbon Treaty "less clear and readable"
European MP's have gathered yesterday to vote on the Lisbon treaty. Even if the clear majority showed that they were in favor, some MP's seem to be aware that the treaty remains unclear for many citizens. Read more...
23 Jan 08- EN First struggle on the EU treaty
A 20 days debate is opened in UK about treaty ratification. The Times report that an amendment that was supported by 18 rebel Labour MPs to kill the Bill was rejected by the Speaker, and last night the second reading was backed by 362 votes to 224, a majority of 138; 19 Labour MPs voted against it. Read more...
22 Jan 08- EN First step for EU treaty in UK
The Euobserver reports that The bill - which ratifies the Lisbon Treaty - was passed by a majority of 138 after five hours of heated debated, according to British media. Read more...
22 Jan 08- EN A document for a "smooth entry into force of the Treaty"
A document circulated by Slovenia plans to make the traty ratified before 1st January 2009. Read more...
21 Jan 08 - EN Treaty equals "fundamental" shift in power
Pro-European Labour MP Michael Connarty has come out against the British government's position on not holding a referendum. Mr. Connarty who backs the new treaty believing it to create a stronger Europe, has said that the British government lied to the public about the treaty which will result in a "massive and fundamental" shift in power to Europe. Therefore the treaty should be ratified via referendum. Read more
21 Jan 08- EN Irish Greens won't take part in the referendum debate
The required two-thirds majority required to adopt an official party position on the last saturday vote has not been reached. Read more...
21 Jan 08- EN Revolt in UK about the treaty
Gordon Brown has currently to face the europsceptic MP's revolt which aims at holding a referendum about EU treaty. Read more...
18 Jan 08- EN Own rules broken
In the Telegraph Dan Hannan MEP describes how the European Parliament broke its own rules and procedures this week by stopping a group of MEPs from speaking in opposition to the Lisbon Treaty. Read more...
18 Jan 08- EN Tories' battle
The Spectator reports that Prime Minister could not hold a referendum, because he was certain to lose. Read more...
18 Jan 08- EN Le Pen invitation to student debate critisised by UCD
Jean-Marie Le Pen, the French National Front President, has been officially invited by the law society of University College Dublin to debate the forthcoming EU treaty. The invitation has been critisised by the UCD itself, and the various No campaigns in Ireland. Read more...
17 Jan 08- EN The treaty : a way to protect children's rights ?
As the Guardian reports, A briefing from the NSPCC, to be published on Friday, says the treaty "is a significant step forward for efforts to protect children and promote their rights in the UK, across the European Union and beyond". A way to convince conservatives ? Read more...
16 jan 07 - EN Irish Green ministers to back Lisbon Treaty
Irish ministers from the Green Party are campaigning for a yes vote on the Lisbon Treaty despite not yet having the full backing of the Green Party. The Green Party are to vote on whether to back the Yes or No side on the 19th January. The Green Party have campaigned against each successive EU Treaty since 1986. Read more
16 Jan 08- EN French Parliament is preparing to ratify the Lisbon treaty
The Courrier International reports that French parliament begins to examine the government bill modifying the Constitution. Read more...
16 Jan 08- EN The "socialist solution"
After long debates, French socialist finally decided about what they will do at the Versailles congress, which will happen February 4th . They indeed voted that they will go, but they won't vote on the French Constitution's modification. Read more...
15 jan 08- EN Conservatives ready to hold a referendum if they gain power
"As soon as we have an election, the sooner we can have a referendum", said David Cameron, as the Times reports. Read more...
15 Jan 08- EN Controversies about EU reform treaty bill
The Independent reports that Gordon Brown's parliamentary pitch battle over his controversial EU Reform Treaty Bill is about to begin. Read more...
14 Jan 08- EN EU treaty jeopardized by an EU health directive
Because it could be hard for north countries to adopt an EU directive about health, the ratification of the Lisbon treaty could be endangered. Read more...
14 Jan 08- EN Plebiscite for a referendum
Members of The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) have (90%) voted ‘yes’ on whether there should be a referendum on the new EU Reform Treaty, as Politics reports. Read more...
10 Jan 08- EN No referendum in Portugal
Even if Jose Socrates evoked ultimately the possibility to hold a referendum in Portugal, the ratification solution will be adopted. The EU warned him, fearing indeed that a referendum in Portugal could have inspired other countries less "europhile".
10 Jan 08- EN David Briggs calls the UK governement to be "honest"
UK government promised a referendum, but apparently, it seems to have forgotten. David Briggs, a leading IWR business supporter, underlines that UK governement needs "a little bit of honesty". Read more...
10 Jan 08- EN Debate about the treaty's ratification in UK
Mr Murphy said that ratification in the UK should be preceded by a "mature debate" over what is the real nature of the EU rather than what some fear it might be. Read more...
9 Jan 08 - EN Watered Down Referendum Commission Re-established
Irish Environment Minister John Gormley is set to re-establish the Referendum Commission initically set up to "to outline the cases for and against a referendum to the public and to promote debate and discussion" it now is only expected that the "Referendum Commission’s role will be to publicise the referendum and to urge people to vote." Read more
9 Jan 08- EN UK warned about EU treaty
As the Financial Time reports, Jean-Pierre Jouyet the State Secretary in charge of European Affairs warned UK about the treaty ratification, stating that a licking could endanger the central place of UK at the European decision-process. Read more...
8 Jan 08- EN Treaty ratification planned in Denmark at the end of March
Rasmussen who was in France yesterday declared in the Figaro that he planned the Lisbon treaty ratification at the end of March or the beginning of April. In addition, a referendum should be hold concerning common defense and judiciary cooperation and the common currency.
8 Jan 08- EN EU treaty's difficulties in Czech Republic
Lawmakers could slow the ratification's process for the EU treaty in Czech Republic. Read more...
7 Jan 07-EN The Lisbon Treaty : A challenge for Slovenia
The "Lisbon stategy" will have to be applied in the whole EU under the Slovenian presidency, which might prove to be a difficult responsability. Read more...
7 Jan 07- EN Blair will campaign...in France !
Blair plans to be present at the UMP's conference (Union pour un mouvement populaire, Nicolas Sarkozy's Party) to campaign for the European Treaty...and maybe to negociate his future EU president job . Read more...
7 Jan 08- EN Irish is eying the EU jobs'opportunities
Bertie Ahern, the Irish Prime Minister, revealed in the Irish Times that he was interested by one of the three new "top jobs" promised by the Lisbon Treaty, before the referendum's results. Read more...
30 Dec 07 - EN Irish Consider 9 May for Referendum
Ireland the only country at the moment set to hold a referndum are thinking of having the rereferendum take place on Europe Day - 9 May. Read more...
20 Dec 07- EN Brussels : a summit to nowhere ?
According to the Economist, the summit in Brussels which hapenned the 13th was "devoid of substance". Read more...
19 Dec 07- EN Letters to the Telegraph on the EU Treaty
The British Minister for Europe's quote "The reform treaty will lead to no transfer of power away from Britain in issues of importance to our sovereignty." provokes some doubts. Read more...
19 Dec 07- EN Eurobarometer's results
The Irish, who are to hold a referendum on the new treaty next year are showed to be "the most positive about the benefits of their countries' accession to the EU" by the Eurobarometer. Read more...
18 Dec 07- EN France and UK could interfere in the campaign in Ireland
Irish taoiseach Bertie Ahern has said that UK and French hardliners may cause difficulties for next year’s vote on the Lisbon treaty. Read more...
18 Dec 07- EN Interview of a "I want a Referendum" member
The Liverpool Daily Post reports an interview of a member of "I want a Referendum" campaign, Alan Halsall. Read the interview...
18 Dec 07- EN Gordon brown on the "back foot"
Peter Mandelson declared that Gordon Brown was on the "back foot" over Europe because of his late arrival at Lisbon. This "diplomatical incident" is stressed on the whole European press. Read more...
18 Dec 07- EN Hungary, the first country to ratify the treaty
Hungary ratified the traty yesterday. It is seen as a "historic achievement" by the first Minister. Read more...
17 Dec 07-EN- East's resistances to the EU treaty
Fearing Germany's influence through EU, Poland and Czech Republic could create difficulties in the EU treaty ratification. Read more...
17 Dec 07-EN- A portuguese success ?
Even if the signature of the treaty in Lisbon appears like a success in Portugal, Eduardo Damaso is wandering if this new treaty does contribute to bring more democracy to Europe. Read more...
17 Dec 07- EN The "reflexion group" must not interfere in the referendum ratification process
Even if seems that Sarkozy wants to be the leader in the group's set up, The timeframe was suggested by Ms Merkel in a bid to avoid the group interfering with the upcoming ratification process of the Treaty of Lisbon, formally signed off on Thursday (13 December). Read more...
14 December - EN ERC Video Makes it to the BBC News at 10
The ERC's second video was shown on the British evening news yesterday during a report on the signing of the Lisbon Treaty. It was repeated on BBC World. View the BBC program here.
14 Dec 07- EN A No would cut Ireland apart from EU
In the Irish Times, Mark Hennessy presents the situation the Irish would have to face if they would vote No to the Lisbon treaty. Read more...
14 Dec 07- EN The referendum as a populist threat
In the newspaper Corriere della Sera, Maurizio Ferrera explains why the referendum is considered by governements as a "populist threat".
14 Dec 07- EN British MPs campaigning for a referendum
The campaign leaded by the Daily Telegraph has many supporters, even some MPs. Read more...
EN An unwritten agreement to avoid the referendum
In El Pais, Spanish MEP Inigo Mendez de Vigo reportedly said that there was an “unwritten agreement” amongst EU politicians not to use referendums. Read more...
13 Dec 07- EN The new Treaty will be signed today
At 11:30, in a monastery in Lisbon, EU leaders will gather to sign the new Treaty...before flying to Brussels. Read more...
13 Dec 07- EN Common’s European Scrutiny Committee : Reform Treaty and Constitution are the same
According to the Common’s European Scrutiny Committee, the Reform Treaty is fundamentally the same at the Constitution, and has never been presented to them. Read more...
13 Dec 07- EN The Gordon Brown's accidental diary clash
Brown doesn't want to be seen in public signing the new treaty, according to many newspapers like the Times. Read more...
13 Dec 07- EN Ireland has to show its "European commitment"
"I hope Ireland will show its European commitment by ratifying the treaty that is now going to be signed," Said Barroso. Read more...