The Lisbon treaty would enhance the European Union’s capacity to confront major problems such as climate change, terrorism and cross-border crime, the German Chancellor told an audience in Dublin today.
Addressing a session of the National Forum on Europe at Dublin Castle, Angela Merkel said these were areas where “no country can go it alone” but needed to act with one voice. Citing provisions for more majority voting and the creation of a new high representative for foreign affairs, Dr Merkel said the treaty would ensure the EU could “bring its weight to bear” in negotiations with other continents.
German chancellor Angela Merkel
Seeking to assuage concerns about a "European superstate", the Chancellor said the treaty would also give the union "added value as regards democracy". As well as strengthening the European parliament, national parliaments would be given the right to scrutinise any proposal coming from Brussels or Strasbourg at an early stage. "As a consequence there will be more of a public debate in member countries. That is a very important bonus," she added.
As a citizen of former East Germany, Dr Merkel pointed out that she has been an active citizen of the European Union for just half of Ireland's membership, and said "the peaceful reunification of Germany could only have been possible with European reunification". In her view, the union stood for stability and peace, but also for diversity of languages and mutual exchange without having to renounce one's traditions.
On Ireland's economic success, which was looked on with "surprise and amazement" by many, Dr Merkel said the country was an example to the rest of Europe. While Ireland benefitted from auspicious conditions, "you have also worked very hard," she said. "You have shown all of us how far you can come with political resolve and far-sightedness."
Taoiseach Bertie Ahern agreed with Dr Merkel that ratification of the Lisbon treaty was essential for the union to effectively confront issues such as global warming, terrorism, migration and energy security. "The only answer for Ireland is on June 12th and I hope it's a resounding yes, and we assure all our colleagues in Europe that we want to move with them," he said.
Referring to Dr Merkel's assertion that no country could "go it alone", the Green Party's Patricia McKenna said the question was whether "this is the direction we want to go in." While the EU had progressive policies on climate change, the treaty would confer it with no new legal powers in this area, she said. Moreover, she questioned how advocates of the treaty could invoke its democratic credentials while most Europeans were not being consulted on it.
