June 25, 2008

Abstract: (Angus Reid Global Monitor) - Voters in Germany would endorse the Lisbon Treaty if they had the chance, according to a poll by Emnid released by N24. 54 per cent of respondents would vote in favour of the common body of law for the European Union (EU) if a referendum were held.

(Angus Reid Global Monitor) - Voters in Germany would endorse the Lisbon Treaty if they had the chance, according to a poll by Emnid released by N24. 54 per cent of respondents would vote in favour of the common body of law for the European Union (EU) if a referendum were held.

EU heads of state officially signed the European Constitution on Oct. 29, 2004. The project for a continental body of law was practically abandoned in 2005, after voters in France and the Netherlands rejected the proposed document in two plebiscites.

In October 2007, leaders of the 27 EU member nations reached an agreement on the Lisbon Treaty and Charter of Fundamental Rights. The Lisbon Treaty provisions call for the creation of new posts, such as a foreign policy chief, and a High Representative who will answer to EU governments and serve as vice-president of the European Commission. The Charter will become legally binding in all EU member states except Britain, which negotiated an exemption.

The EU leaders would also choose a president of the European Council for a two and a half year renewable term. This will effectively eliminate the current six-month rotating presidency among member nations. The Lisbon Treaty also provides for the creation of a mutual defence clause, in case one of the member states is attacked.

If all countries ratify the treaty—whether through a referendum or a parliamentary vote—it will become effective in January 2009. Ireland, due to its internal regulations, is the only country that must hold a nationwide vote on the Lisbon Treaty, while other governments can decide whether they want to do the same. On Jun. 12, 53.4 per cent of Irish voters rejected the adoption of the Lisbon Treaty.

On Jun. 16, German chancellor Angela Merkel discussed the situation, saying, "The EU needs the Lisbon treaty to be able to act and for future enlargements (of the EU). Together with Ireland we have to work out a solution and the process of ratification should be finalized in all 26 other countries. I am sure we will develop a solution for Ireland."

Polling Data

If you had a chance to vote, would you cast a ballot in favour or against the Lisbon Treaty?

In favour	54%
Against	46%

Source: Emnid / N24
Methodology: Interviews with 1,000 German adults, conducted on Jun. 17, 2008. Margin of error is 2.5 per cent.