Irish "Yes" to Nice: Enlargement to go Ahead

The Young European Federalists (JEF), welcome the decision of the Irish people to ratify the Nice Treaty and thereby remove a major obstacle to EU enlargement, which will finally reunite the continent.

For all its weaknesses, which have been criticised by JEF on many previous occasions, the ratification of the Treaty of Nice represents the only way to ensure a swift and successful enlargement of the EU with up to ten countries in 2004.

With their vote and commitment to EU enlargement, the Irish people have demonstrated their solidarity with 75 million Europeans living in the future member states. These will now be able to reap the same benefits, as well as be entitled to the rights and responsibilities, that the Irish people have enjoyed since their accession in 1973.

As Pat Cox, the Irish President of the European Parliament, said last week in Bath, "Enlargement represents Europe‚s rendezvous with reconciliation. There can be no backsliding on our moral obligation to continue with the enlargement process."

"Enlargement will strengthen Europe's stability, democracy, and prosperity and will thus be of historical benefit to both present and future member states," said Alison Weston, President of JEF Europe.

"With this vote, we have overcome one of the final obstacles to the successful unification of our continent. It is now incumbent on the EU institutions, member states, and acceding countries to follow suit and take responsibility for resolving the last remaining questions before accession treaties can be signed," Alison Weston continued.

"Legitimate fears over a lack of democracy, transparency, and efficiency in Europe, which the Nice Treaty did not manage to dispel, must now be resolved by the Convention on the future of Europe by producing a clear and concise Federal Constitution for an enlarged European Union," the JEF President concluded.

ENDS

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The Young European Federalists (JEF) is a supranational, political pluralistic youth organisation with about 25.000 members in over 35 European countries. The aim of JEF is to work for the creation of a European federation, as a first step towards peace and more free, just and democratic society. Our ideas are spread through international activities and youth exchanges, publications, public actions and co-operation with other youth-organisations.

Your Press Contact:

Jon Worth, JEF-Europe Board Member.

jon.worth@jef-europe.net

Tel: +32 2 2303057 / +32 485 449763

www.jef-europe.net