MEPs call for Lisbon Treaty ratification before EU elections

A majority of parliament’s constitutional affairs committee say Irish concerns that prompted the rejection of the Lisbon Treaty can be met without amending the original text.

The committee’s view flies directly in the face of a new opinion poll, published in Ireland on Monday that says the Irish would be willing to approve the treaty but only if certain conditions are met.

The move comes after the committee called on the December European council to reach an agreement allowing Ireland to ratify the treaty in spring 2009.

The resolution, approved on Monday, invites the Irish government to put forward firm proposals on the way forward after the referendum "no".

Approving a report drafted by German Socialist deputy Jo Leinen by 16 votes in favour and six against, the committee reiterated its view that every effort should be made to ensure that the treaty is ratified before next year’s parliamentary elections.

"If the treaty does not enter into force before the parliamentary elections next year, European citizens will be deprived of important new democratic rights in the EU,” said committee chair Leinen.

Most members expressed the conviction that the Irish concerns that prompted the rejection of the treaty can be met without amending the text, as already ratified by 24 member states.

The committee also called on Sweden and the Czech Republic to complete their ratification procedures before the end of 2008.

Leinen added, "There is no plausible reason why a second referendum in Ireland should be easier to win after the parliament elections than before."

Committee members also pointed out that if the treaty is not ratified before the elections this would affect the composition of the new parliament and commission, the appointment of the EU’s High Representative for foreign policy and the application of the Charter of Fundamental Rights.

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