Ahern: EU constitution not dead

The European Union’s constitution is not dead and its ratification is essential for the future of enlargement, Taoiseach Bertie Ahern said today.

Mr Ahern brokered agreement on the wording of the charter during Ireland’s EU presidency in 2004, but it was put on hold after France and the Netherlands rejected it in referendums last year.

“Reports of the death of the European Constitution are premature,” Mr Ahern told the National Forum on Europe seminar in Dublin Castle today.

Last week, EU leaders agreed that Germany would produce a report in the first half of 2007 on how to proceed with the controversial treaty. A final decision will be made by member states in late 2008.

Mr Ahern continued: “In the interim, we will not have a referendum in Ireland. How can the Government ask the people to vote on a European treaty when the final form and content of that treaty remains open to question?

“We have, however, made it crystal clear that we will have a referendum at the appropriate time,” he said.

The constitution was designed to give the EU stronger leadership with a long-term president and foreign minister.

A simpler voting system based on population size was also envisaged, as the 25-member bloc welcomes new members.

“I remain firmly convinced that the European Constitution is essential for the future success of the enlarged EU,” Mr Ahern said.

However, the Taoiseach warned that governments should not try to force through a charter against people’s will.

“The EU was established on the basis of consensus, trust and respect and that is how it will continue to succeed,” he added.

A total of 15 countries have already ratified the Constitution and Finland is currently considering ratification.

The Taoiseach also warned that the EU has to do more to meet the concerns of voters across the bloc.

“In recent years, the people of Europe have had to cope with very significant change which always brings uncertainty and worries about the future.

“Almost overnight enlargement went from being an abstract concept, another piece of EU jargon, to a very visible reality on our streets and in our workplaces,” he remarked.

He said that, on a proportionate basis, Ireland has taken in far more workers from the new member states than any other EU country and this was a testament to the state’s strong economy and open society.

“We are looking at a prospective EU membership of at least 35 countries, with considerable differences in economic and social development between them,” he added.

He urged the EU to forge ahead with enlargement at a speed which is compatible with the best interests of its people.

“To do otherwise would undermine the very existence of an EU which is now the key anchor of stability on the European continent,” he concluded.