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DGDEVCO

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EEAS

Referendum in Ireland on the Lisbon Treaty: the future of the EU and its external relations

yes to Lisbon treatyBrussels, 09/06/08: The fate of the European Union – and the agenda of the European Council meeting taking place on 19-20 June in Brussels – hangs on the outcome of the Irish referendum on the Lisbon treaty being held on 12 June. If Ireland votes ‘Yes’ , the summit will discuss how to put the Treaty of Lisbon into effect, including a debate on the future structure of the European External Action Service (EEAS). But if the Irish vote ‘No’, the summit will become an exercise in crisis management.

Recent polls show that the number of people intending to vote 'No' has almost doubled to 35 per cent since the last poll, while the number of the 'Yes' side has declined to 30 per cent. The number of undecided voters is still a significant 28 per cent. The mood in the ‘Yes’ camp has lightened a bit following a Sunday Business Post poll which showed it being slightly ahead. Fianna Fáil party strategists believe that voters will accept the treaty by a margin of up to 10 points in a near 60 per cent turnout.

It is envisaged that the EEAS will start functioning as soon as the Lisbon Treaty enters into force and that it should be fully operational by the time the new European Commission takes office in late 2009.

  • Click here to read an EEPA paper on the EU's external policies
  • Click here to read an Eurostep paper on the EEAS 
  • Click here to read an EEPA research paper on the Irish referendum