EU Reforms Must Continue, Despite Ireland's "no"

Ulrike Guerot & Daniel Korski, ECFR | June 18, 2008

Given inevitable economic and demographic shifts, European countries will not be able to remain agenda setters in the global system, unless they cooperate more effectively and speak with one voice. ++ Despite Ireland's vote against the Lisbon Treaty, EU policy makers must continue to work towards EU reform. ++ A minimalist option is to improve the EU's foreign policy instruments through Council and Commission reforms, not treaties. ++ As a maximalist option, the concept of a "two-speed Europe" should be pursued.