EN
The negative outcome of the referendum ratifying the Treaty of Lisbon in Ireland has raised numerous questions about the coming into force of the new fundamental treaty of the European Union. Reactions to the outcome of the Irish referendum have raised even more questions about the future of the European Union, contradictory EU statements, equality of EU member states, as well as responsibility of national political leaders to explain the significance of the EU to their electorate. In order not to increase the gap between the EU and its citizens and not to threaten inevitable future reforms in the structure and competences of the EU, national and European politicians should admit and learn from their mistakes and achievements. One possible solution could be to hold referenda on single-issue treaties on the same day in all EU member states.