Suprise, Suprise

While reading comments all over the Euroblogosphere I noted that many Irish commentators seemed to be surprised and angered by the suggestion that other Nation which have signed the Reform Treaty might go ahead anyway. It is obviously a problem if Irish citizens voted on the wrong believe that they vote either 'yes' for the Lisbon treaty or 'yes' for the Nice treaty (by voting 'no' on the Lisbon treaty). However, as the reaction to the comments of the French foreign minister have shown it was very difficult to communicate that other countries might still choose to from a Union based on the Lisbon Treaty.

If you look at a common poster which was used by the 'no' campaign ("Don't be bullied") this implies that the prospect that other countries said that they might go ahead should be the very reason why you should vote against it. And, again judging form the comments I have read, it worked. As a German citizen I find this very offensive. If, e.g. France and Germany decide to form a closer Union, two countries which have been at war again and again, this should be welcome by other countries around Europe, and it shouldn't be used as to score cheap points in a referendum which has actually nothing to do with it.

Update: Some more statements by some European Politicians:

"With all respect for the Irish vote, we cannot allow the huge majority of Europe to be duped by a minority of a minority of a minority," said Axel Schäfer, SPD leader in the Bundestag committee on EU affairs.

"We are incredibly disappointed. We think it is a real cheek that the country that has benefited most from the EU should do this. There is no other Europe than this treaty."

Italian President Giorgio Napolitano was equally critical, calling for states obstructing integration to be left out of the EU. "Now is the time for a courageous choice by those who want coherent progress in building Europe, leaving out those who despite solemn, signed pledges threaten to block it," he said in a statement.

The Croatian president, Stipe Mesic, expressed disappointment in Ireland. "Now that they have used the accession and structural funds, when they have developed enormously, I'm a little surprised that the solidarity is at an end," said Mr Mesic.

But the Lisbon Treaty might be dead anyway. It seams that Gordon Brown might choose not to sign the treaty. Essentially that means that we will have to renegotiate the whole thing. I think from here the only way forward is to consistently push for a Core/Multi-Speed Europe.

Update II: When I read blog posts like this or comment made on blogs by Irish voters (e.g. Paul on Jon Worths Blog) it becomes clear that the Irish people were most likely indeed completely unaware of the possibility that other countries might form a Union based on the Lisbon Treaty anyway. The psychological effect of this is clear, a lot of resentment and a hardening of opinions is produced. This makes this a doubled victory for the no-camp.

It is important to move on now in a calm and measured way and one has to try to emphasis that if several states now form a Union based on the treaty then this is not meant as 'punishment' or to put pressure onto somebody.