WORLD VIEW:Pressing global crises mean Ireland must clarify its attitude to the European Union, writes Maria Joao Rodrigues
I AM WRITING from Lisbon on the Lisbon Treaty. As adviser to the prime minister of Portugal, I was in the European Council in October 2007 when champagne glasses were raised by all the European leaders to greet the final agreement on the new treaty. I remember the joy and relief when after two painful years (in fact five), it was possible to reach a consensus on a new treaty, which has several shortcomings but also many achievements: a Charter of Fundamental Rights, more effective and democratic decision-making, a more co-ordinated external focus for the European Union, a stronger euro zone, a bolder energy policy and a social clause.
I also remember that a new determination was in the room when the European leaders turned to the future and to a central concern of citizens: how can Europe cope with globalisation?
After a lively discussion, the main conclusion was that it is no longer enough to respond to globalisation; we need also to shape it with better rules, in co-operation with our international partners. If we want to sustain our European economic and social model, we need more effective external action to be enabled by the new treaty. Is there better evidence for this than the current financial turmoil unleashing a worldwide economic crisis?
When the Irish No vote came, I had just concluded a conference in Slovenia to announce a new Erasmus programme aimed at making it a general opportunity rather then an exception for European young people. There was general concern and anxiety at the No vote - and a sense of perplexity.
Ireland, one of the best examples of national success in European integration; Ireland, a remarkable EU member state providing an inspiring culture of vision, ambition, benchmarking, networking and partnerships, was voting No.
Why?
It is certainly up to the Irish people to decide whether, when and how this No should be reconsidered. Still, in the meantime, the Irish problem was turned into a big European problem. Let me tell you why.
In the current stalemate, the democratic nature of the European elections in June will be seriously damaged. Without the final ratification of the Lisbon Treaty, the European citizens will vote without really knowing what will be the political competences of the European Parliament members they will elect.
Under the Lisbon Treaty, they would be extended to 40 new areas, such as energy, industry, education and international co-operation.
Just imagine an MEP being asked in June what can he or she do to respond to the international crisis and being unable to provide an honest and clear answer.
Moreover, the European voters will also be in a foggy situation regarding the kind of European Commission that will be appointed for the next term. A smaller commission under the Nice Treaty or a commission keeping a commissioner for each member state under the Lisbon Treaty?
And what about the procedure to elect the president of the European Commission? A stronger say for the European Parliament, as stated by the Lisbon Treaty, or not yet?
Another critical unanswered question could emerge about the euro zone and its umbrella and protective role in the financial and economic crisis. Will it be strengthened according to the Lisbon Treaty, or not yet?
Finally, will the European citizens count on a more stable president of the European Council and a high representative to represent Europe in crucial international arenas for negotiation, or will we have to cope under existing structures with regulation of financial systems, the deal on climate change or on trade?
For all these reasons, the current crisis calls for a clear rendezvous in the European Council in December. Its central responsibility will be to adopt a fully-fledged plan to tackle the financial and economic crisis and to mobilise all necessary means.
This will very likely be the right moment for Ireland to clarify its willingness to promote a new consultation process in order to take into account the new current challenges, as well as the possibilities of accommodating specific Irish concerns regarding neutrality, the European Commissioner, abortion and other social issues.
The rendezvous regarding the new treaty will be in December because the crisis will not wait. Stronger European action will be needed.
Maria João Rodrigues is an adviser on European affairs to several EU presidencies and is professor of European policies in the University of Lisbon and the University of Brussels. Paul Gillespie is on leave.