European Union

While Europe watches nervously. Here's an informative Q&A from the Guardian explaining the details.

Today is the day of the Irish referendum on the Lisbon Treaty, the backdoor new constitution -- though it can't be called a new constitution because that would require too many other public votes -- being adopted by the EU. There are 27 countries that signed the treaty. But only in Ireland do the people get to vote on it. So the Irish have outsized power today -- they are the voice of the people of Europe. If they vote the treaty down, they can scuttle the whole thing.

The political leadership of the country supports the treaty. But nationalists think it infringes on sovereignty. And Irish farmers, one of the few industries that the EU hasn't benefited, are leading the charge against it. Polls suggest the treaty is in trouble--the final results are likely to be close.

A referendum on ratifying the Lisbon Treaty had been leading handily, but support is collapsing in the final days before the June 12 vote. The Irish vote is critical to the future of Europe. ireland is the only one of the 27 signatories to the treaty, which establishes new rules to govern the EU, permitting its citizens to vote directly. If Ireland votes it down, the entire treaty likely would be a dead letter.

The issue of how and when to admit new members to the European Union is stirring more controversy. France and its president have objected to Turkey, arguing that the country does not belong culturally or economically in Europe. This week, the French national assembly voted in favor of a resolution calling for a popular referendum on any new members to the EU.

The New Republic (05/28) features Peter Bergen analyzing the jihadist revolt against Osama Bin Laden.
Afrik.com (05/27) cites Steve Clemons on purges occurring in the Obama and McCain campaigns.
NewsHour (05/27) interviews Flynt Leveret on U.S. engagement with Iran.
Tehran Times (05/25) mentions Steve Clemons on negotiations with Hamas.
The Globalist (05/23) features Parag Khanna discussing the growing international influence of the E.U.

'THE AMERICAN' WANTS TURKEY REFERENDUM: Frenc h President Sarkozy continues to oppose allowing Turkey to join the European Union. Now he says that he's prepared to call a referendum in his country on whether to support it.

THE WORST REFERENDUM IN THE WORLD: The Burmese have arrested about 60 people who dared to campaign for the "no" side in the sham May 10 constitutional referendum being staged by the military junta there. The rules for the vote mock all notions of fairness and democracy. Domestic media also were formally barred from reporting on the referendum this week.

CAYMAN CONSTITUTION: The Cayman Islands is planning a new constitution, and that could require multiple votes by the public.

A WORLD DEMOCRACY FORUM: Bruno Kaufmann of the Initiative & Referendum Institute Europe contacted me recently with an update on his efforts to convene people from all over the world to talk about and study direct democracy. Bruno is working hard to establish a World Democracy Forum that includes tours, workshops, panels and other events. Watch this blog for more details as they become available. It looks like there may be events in Switzerland and the United States this fall.

KIRKUK REFERENDUM? The Economist takes a look at what might happen in the Iraqi province of Kirkuk if a promised June referendum takes place. Direct democracy is a blunt instrument, and a referendum could lead to more violence.

NOTHING TO SEE HERE: The European Commission president Jose Manuel Barroso was in Dublin this week to reassure the Irish that the new Lisbon Treaty will not cost them control over tax rates. Ireland is the only EU country holding a public referendum on the treaty. It's scheduled for June 12, and Barroso predicted the "eyes of Europe" will be on the island nation.

UKRAINE NEEDS MORE THAN A VOTE: A referendum is not enough to change the Ukraine constitution, according to the head of its constitutional court.

On St. Patrick's Day, it's worth noting that of the 27 European Union countries, only one is permitting its citizens to vote on the new Lisbon Treaty: Ireland. Why? Irish farmers have demanded a say on the treaty, which is essentially a new European constitution and would change the way trade is conducted. In a sense, the Irish will be voting for all of Europe. After voters in France and elsewhere opposed an earlier constitutional proposal, governments across the continent are refusing to put this treaty to the people. So if Ireland's voters approve it, the treaty is likely to take effect everywhere.

NO VOTE FOR EU TREATY: Brits want to vote on the highly unpopular EU Reform Treaty, also known as the Lisbon Treaty. This is the new European Union treaty negotiated last year to replace the proposed EU constitution that Dutch and French voters previously rejected on the ballot. What’s important about the constitution to those interested in blockbuster democracy? It includes a provision for a EU-wide referendum – which would be the first example of a transnational referendum in the world.

Aaah, but Labor PMs vote not to put the matter to a vote of the people. Of the 27 member states in the EU, only Ireland will let its people vote on the treaty.

NO SUPERVISION FOR BURMESE VOTE: No UN observers at Myanmar’s constitutional referendum. The junta, which killed and imprisoned monks during a crackdown against anti-government demonstrations last September, has banned speeches or writings about the referendum. The Nobel Peace Prize winner Aung San Suu Kyi would be banned under the proposed constitution from running for office because she was married to a foreigner.