Press Releases

June 13, 2008

Merkel and Sarkozy: Continue Lisbon Treaty Ratification Process, Despite Outcome of Irish Referendum

German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Nicolas Sarkozy issued a joint statement today on the results of the Irish referendum on the Treaty of Lisbon on June 12, saying they respectfully take note of the results but “very much regret the outcome.”

They expect that the exact reasons for the rejection of the treaty by the people of Ireland will be discussed at the European Council on June 19 and 20. The European Council will then draw the necessary conclusions.

Said Merkel and Sarkozy: “The heads of state and government of all 27 member states have signed the Treaty of Lisbon, and in 18 member states the ratification has already been completed. We therefore expect that the other member states will continue with their domestic ratification processes.”

“We are convinced that the improvements agreed to in the Treaty of Lisbon are necessary to make the European Union more democratic and able to act. They will put Europe in the position to quickly take on challenges that the citizens of Europe are facing.”

German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier, currently on an official visit in China, also commented on the negative outcome of the Irish referendum. “Naturally we are disappointed. This is a grave setback. I am convinced, however, that we need this Treaty.” The ratification process must continue, he said. “Together with our partners and our Irish friends we will now consider how to deal with this new situation.”

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