Yes to Lisbon
admin September 30th, 2009
I am voting Yes to Lisbon because it makes the EU more democratic and strengthens the EU’s voice internationally. It also gives the EU a mandate to tackle climate change and gives legal status to the Charter of Fundamental Rights. New legal guarantees confirm that abortion, tax and neutrality will not be affected and we keep our EU Commissioner. Being at the heart of Europe has been good for Ireland and staying there is part of the road to recovery. Please join me in voting Yes to Lisbon on Friday.
What is the Lisbon Treaty?
It is a treaty that will introduce some changes to the existing two treaties that set out the rules by which the EU works (the EU and EC treaties) but it does not replace these treaties.
Why is it needed?
The main change Lisbon introduces is a reform of the law making process. This is needed because the EU now has 27 members instead of the original 6 members. Some other changes are needed to help the EU speak with a united voice internationally.
What are the changes?
The procedure for passing EU laws will be made more democratic by giving the European Parliament an equal say to the Member States when passing laws. The voting rules used by the Member States when passing laws will also be changed but Ireland keeps its veto on key issues like tax and defence.
Lisbon will also:
· Improve how the EU deals with external relations.
· Give the EU a mandate to combat climate change.
· Protect workers rights by giving the Charter of Fundamental Rights equal status to the treaties.
Lisbon does NOT
· Change the minimum wage or promote lower pay.
· Affect abortion, tax, neutrality or introduce an EU army or conscription – Ireland has secured legally binding guarantees on these points.
· Affect the Irish State, Irish sovereignty, citizenship or the status of the Constitution – both the German and Czech Supreme Courts have confirmed this.