Ireland has gained enormously from EU membership, rising from poverty to become of Europe's richest countries – and thus exemplifying the benefits of European integration. But now, having rejected the Lisbon Treaty, the Irish should do the rest of Europe a favor and withdraw from the EU.
Copenhagen – Ireland should do the rest of Europe a favor and withdraw from the European Union. That seems to be the only tenable solution to the situation created by the Irish “No” to the Lisbon Treaty. The Irish have created a problem for themselves. They should not let it be a problem for others.
It would be sad to lose the merry people of the Emerald Island from the EU family. But it would be even sadder if, because of the Irish “No,” all those who wish to secure the same benefits from European integration that made it possible for the Irish to prosper are left out in the cold.
EU enlargement cannot continue without the many practical and pragmatic elements included in the Lisbon Treaty. And the enlargement process is the most important endeavor the EU has undertaken, including the creation of the euro.
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At the end of European Communism, there was a widespread, euphoric hope that freedom and democracy would bring a better life; eventually, though, many lost that hope. The problem, under both Communism and the new liberal dispensation, was that those pursuing grand social projects had embraced ideology instead of philosophy.
considers what an Albanian Marxist philosopher can tell us about liberty in today's world.
For the US, Slovakia's general election may produce another unreliable allied government. But instead of turning a blind eye to such allies, as President Joe Biden has been doing with Poland, or confronting them with an uncompromising stance, the US should spearhead efforts to help mend flawed democracies.
reflect on the outcome of Slovakia's general election in the run-up to Poland's decisive vote.
Copenhagen – Ireland should do the rest of Europe a favor and withdraw from the European Union. That seems to be the only tenable solution to the situation created by the Irish “No” to the Lisbon Treaty. The Irish have created a problem for themselves. They should not let it be a problem for others.
It would be sad to lose the merry people of the Emerald Island from the EU family. But it would be even sadder if, because of the Irish “No,” all those who wish to secure the same benefits from European integration that made it possible for the Irish to prosper are left out in the cold.
EU enlargement cannot continue without the many practical and pragmatic elements included in the Lisbon Treaty. And the enlargement process is the most important endeavor the EU has undertaken, including the creation of the euro.
To continue reading, register now.
Subscribe now for unlimited access to everything PS has to offer.
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