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Verhagen and Timmermans welcome Irish 'yes'

News item | 05-10-2009

Foreign minister Maxime Verhagen and European affairs minister Frans Timmermans have welcomed the Irish 'yes' vote to the Lisbon Treaty.

'This is a big step towards a more effective and more democratic Europe,' said Mr Verhagen.

'The purpose of the Treaty is, after all, to simplify decision-making in many areas and give the European Parliament a bigger role. There will also be a permanent president of the European Council and a High Representative for Foreign Affairs.'

'These new players will have the scope to represent the EU's interests effectively, while member states will still have a say on important issues. The Benelux countries have already outlined an approach with this in mind, which they will present to the Swedish presidency. Then we can get down to business quickly when everyone is on board.'

Mr Timmermans said that the Lisbon Treaty was 'good for the European Union and good for the Netherlands.'

'I'm very pleased that the Irish have said 'yes'. Europe faces enormous challenges to which we have to find answers by working together. Climate change, the credit crisis, shifts in the world order, and an ageing population. For the EU, it's time to stop talking about rules and procedures, and get down to work.

'I hope that the Presidents of the Czech Republic and Poland, whose parliaments have already approved the Treaty, will soon add their signatures, so that the ratification process can be completed,' said Mr Timmermans.

See also

• European Treaties