such problems as energy, security and immigrants. Now he has to spend a lot of time and energy on the treaty issue.

Staying committed

The rejection of the EU Constitution and the Lisbon Treaty in succession reflects many difficulties in the EU integration process.

In the near future, the EU's priority is to save the Lisbon Treaty. It was hard for EU members to negotiate and make amendments to the EU Constitution between 2005 and 2007. Besides, about two thirds of all EU members have approved the Lisbon Treaty, and they can hardly accept another amendment. Six days after Ireland vetoed the treaty, the British Parliament finished the approval process of the treaty, showing that the EU did not want to give up on it.

Since Ireland vetoed the treaty, it should find a solution. The best plan of action for the country would be to hold another referendum and approve the treaty. In 2001, Ireland also vetoed the Treaty of Nice in a referendum, but after the EU promised Ireland a range of benefits, the country passed the treaty in another referendum in the following year. It is not possible to hold another referendum in Ireland this time because the EU needs to show respect for the Irish people's will. Now the EU is continuing its approval process in other member states, while creating a good atmosphere for the Irish Government to find a solution.

The EU must address two issues when pushing forward European integration. One is improving the economic situation, and the other is strengthening communication between the political elites and the ordinary people. If the economic situation is not improved, the public will easily express its dissatisfaction through a referendum.