LISBON ULTIMATUM:EU LEADERS have given Taoiseach Brian Cowen until December to come up with a possible solution to the dilemma caused by Ireland's rejection of the Lisbon Treaty, writes Jamie Smyth
But they also emphasised yesterday the financial crisis has underlined the need for the treaty to be implemented, signalling they would not give up on Lisbon.
"There is no doubt that the crisis shows how important it is for Europe to have a strong and stable presidency. The treaty creates a stable presidency role and brings us closer to this goal. We need strong institutions that can react to events," said French prime minister François Fillon at the EU summit. "It is up to the Irish to make up their minds on what role Europe can play in the economic crisis and draw the consequences from that."
Italian foreign minister Franco Frattini also appealed to France, which holds the rotating EU presidency, to draw up a plan to unblock the Lisbon Treaty by December.
But EU leaders at the summit did not give Mr Cowen the sort of rough ride that many had been expecting, with most attention focusing on the financial crisis.
French president Nicolas Sarkozy asked Mr Cowen to return in December with a roadmap, and there were no major interventions from EU leaders following a brief speech made by Mr Cowen to the European Council.
In his presentation, Mr Cowen said he would return in December having identified the steps that need to be taken next year to "define together the elements of a solution and a common path". He acknowledged that Ireland's EU partners had no wish to renegotiate the treaty. But he said the Government would have to obtain a satisfactory response to Irish concerns, hinting that opts-outs or declarations may be needed to enable a solution. He said the issues of most concern to people during the referendum campaign were: future composition of the commission; defence and Irish neutrality; social ethical matters; and tax.
He also highlighted a detachment felt by citizens towards the EU in Ireland and in other member states. "This is something that must concern us all," he said.
Mr Cowen said the recent financial crisis had shown the critical value of Ireland's membership of the euro zone and access to the support of the European Central Bank.
He told EU leaders he had stressed this point during his Budget speech. "Ireland cannot expect our partners to accommodate our traditions and priorities without a reciprocal approach on our part," he said. "I emphasised that we should not place ourselves in a position where we may be seen by our partners as hindering progress, without properly assessing the consequences for ourselves."
Minister for Foreign Affairs Micheál Martin told reporters a parliamentary committee was trying to establish the "red line issues for Ireland". "What we are saying to the European Council is these are the issues that have caused significant challenges for us and that people certainly require reassurances on," he said.
"I think is a matter for us now to engage with the presidency . . . and indeed our colleagues across Europe over the next few months."