Ireland votes No on Lisbon Treaty

The Lisbon Treaty, which was to give the European Union more say over matters in EU member states received a vote of no confidence from Ireland. The result was 52% against and 48% for. Just as with the EU constitution, there is great resistance from member states to the bureaucratic control of the EU over political and social affairs.

What this will mean for Europe’s economy is still unclear but it has overtones that will reflect negatively on the Euro, another EU construct that is not viewed favourably by all who a part.

“Ireland has voted No to the Lisbon Treaty, plunging the European Union into a new crisis.

With results coming in from across the country, a final result of 52 per cent against and 48 per cent in favour of the treaty was rapidly hardening. A final declaration is not expected until after 4 pm.

The Lisbon Treaty, the reworked successor to the formal constitutional pact dumped by voters in France and the Netherlands in 2005, officially needs the approval of all 27 EU member states. But only in Ireland has it been put to a popular vote, meaning today’s result may have far-reaching consequences for the entire bloc.

Barely two hours after the count began today, the No camp had already started celebrating, while senior Fianna Fail strategists privately and glumly conceded their defeat.”
–The Times of London, 13 Jun 2008

Update: EU referendum: Czech president says Lisbon Treaty project is over, The Telegraph, 14 Jun 2008