E-mailed by Minister for Europe, Dick Roche

(Dick Roche sent this post through by E-mail. It has been posted from the IIEA admin account).

As I am known to be a committed European, you would expect me to be a supporter of the EU Reform Treaty, and I am.

Since Ireland joined in 1973, I have seen how European involvement has helped shape our economy in a very positive manner. Jobs and prosperity have come Ireland’s way in recent years due largely to EU membership. Our young people no longer need to emigrate. Through the EU, we can also exert an influence in the wider world. Europe is our future.

There are many reasons for supporting the EU Reform Treaty which was signed in Lisbon on 13 December 2007, but here is my top 10 (in no particular order).

First, although it is also known as the Lisbon Treaty, this is a Reform Treaty which will reform the way in which the EU does its business.

Second, by making the Charter of Fundamental Rights legally binding, the Treaty will guarantee respect for an important set of rights and freedoms.

Third, it will give a new role in EU affairs to national parliaments including the Oireachtas.

Fourth, the Treaty will give more influence to the democratically-elected European Parliament.

Fifth, European citizens will be able to input directly into EU affairs by means of the new citizens’ initiative.

Sixth, the Treaty gives the Union new scope to deal with major problems such as climate change and energy security, two of the most pressing issues of our time.

Seventh, the Union will be able to make our European voice heard more clearly in world affairs in support of human rights and democratic values.

Eighth, under the Reform Treaty the EU’s competences or powers will be defined more clearly than before. Unless responsibility in an area is explicitly conferred on the Union, it will remain with the Member States.

Ninth, the Treaty retains all of the key positive points contained in the EU Constitutional Treaty agreed during Ireland’s 2004 Presidency and fully protects our interests.

Finally, Ireland’s future lies in Europe. Europe needs this Treaty so that it can function more effectively. Therefore, the Reform Treaty is in Ireland’s best interests.

Dick Roche, Minister for European Affairs