As predicted here, Ireland rejected the Lisbon Treaty. Over on the ECFR website I have tried to lay out what I think European leaders should now do:
To keep all options open, the remaining eight countries that have yet to ratify the Lisbon Treaty should do so. This does not amount to ignoring the Irish, but keeps the door open for a number of different solutions and respects the democratic will of those countries who have ratified the country (however they have chosen to do so).
But perhaps more importantly, if it turns out that the Lisbon Treaty – however amended and with whatever concession offered to Ireland – is dead, European leaders should ensure that one of the main ideas behind the Treaty – to make the EU a more effective foreign policy player – is saved. Read how here.
