Czech Presidency rounds off European Council with success
Chaired by the Czech Presidency, the European Council gave the green light to the guarantees for Ireland so that a new Irish referendum on the Lisbon Treaty can take place. The Council also agreed on the new European Commission leader; it found consensus on conclusions concerning climate change and reached political agreement on the new European framework for financial supervision.
The Czech Presidency brokered the wording of Irish guarantees that are acceptable for Ireland as well as for the other Member States – this is a major success and good news for the whole of Europe.
It is a clarifying text that does not amend the Lisbon Treaty. The guarantees will not lead to a re-opening of the process of ratification. The guarantees address tax issues, the neutrality of Ireland and social affairs. However, they relate not only to Ireland - for instance in the tax area, they will be relevant for other Member States as well.
It is a legally binding decision of the heads of state and government fully in compliance with the Lisbon Treaty. It will enable Ireland to set a date for the referendum and, in case of a positive result, lead to a timely adoption of the Treaty. This represents an important step toward increasing the efficiency of an enlarged EU as well as institutional stability.
- More information on the European Council find in the events calendar.
Contact:
- Michaela Jelínková, spokesperson of the Minister for EU affairs
tel.: +420 224 002 796, GSM: +420 724 258 939; e-mail: [email protected]
Last update: 16.8.2011 15:18
