EU gives itself more time to sort out Lisbon Treaty crisis

0 Comments | AFP, June, 2008

BRUSSELS (AFP) — EU heads at a Brussels summit delayed until October a decision on how to tackle Ireland's rejection of the Lisbon Treaty, while seeking Friday to overcome Czech resistance to the key charter.

"The European Council agreed to Ireland's suggestion to come back to this issue at its meeting of 15 October, 2008 in order to consider the way forward," said a draft summit statement seen by AFP.

In it the leaders noted that, although 19 EU nations have ratified the treaty designed to streamline the bloc's operations as it expands, "more time was needed to analyse the situation."

The only reference to whether the seven countries who have not endorsed the treaty should forge ahead simply said: "The ratification process continues in the other countries."...