Irish NO Vote should not be allowed to stop progress for all of EU: EU should work to deliver a “EUROPEAN DEMOCRACY ACT”
The European Green Party has said that the Irish NO vote in the referendum on the Lisbon Treaty should not be allowed to prevent the EU from renewing its impetus and acting decisively to counter the key challenges facing it like climate change, the global energy crisis and the threat of an economic downturn.
EGP Co-Spokesperson Philippe Lamberts said: "I was in Ireland earlier this week and it was clear to me that the NO Campaign was waging a misinformation campaign and were relying heavily on the politics of fear. It is indeed bad news for the Irish people and for all of the citizens of the EU that the NO campaign has won the day. The fact that many people seem to have felt that politicians on the YES side did not do a good job of explaining the benefits of the treaty and that they have lost trust in politicians generally was probably also a significant factor. Whatever the reasons for the NO vote in Ireland, the European Greens' position is that the best way to have decided on the future of the Lisbon Treaty (and indeed the previous failed attempt at a constitution) would have been to hold a Europe-wide referendum with a double majority, i.e. by a majority of EU citizens and in a majority of member states. However, the priority now for all EU institutions, politicians and member states must be to calmly take stock of the situation, and then concentrate on finding an effective way of ensuring that the EU can move ahead and concentrate on the major challenges of greater democracy, climate change, the global economy and ensuring social justice."
EGP Co-Spokesperson Ulrike Lunacek went on to outline the possible ways ahead which the European Greens will be proposing in the weeks and months ahead: "It is simply not a viable option to continue with the EU of the Nice Treaty. The ratification process in the other 26 countries should be allowed to continue so that at the end of that process, we can decide what should be done next and have a clearer idea of Ireland's position. Those member states, EU politicians, and indeed active citizens, who realise the urgent need for improvements to the decision making process in the EU so that it is more efficient, democratic and representative must focus their attention on working together to that end. We European Greens will be arguing strongly that what the EU and its citizens needs is a short, clear and focussed "EUROPEAN ACT FOR DEMOCRACY" dealing with the real priorities for Europeans; namely the Charter of Fundamental Rights, a more democratic and representative decision-making process including a stronger role for both the European Parliament and national parliaments, and innovative ways of involving citizens in EU politics and governance, including measures like the Citizens Initiative. This Act for Democracy should be put to all EU citizens in an EU-wide referendum, held on the same day. This is the best way of regaining the trust of the people of the EU and enabling the Union to really make a positive difference to their lives. "
