Europe's view of the Reform Treaty

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Last Updated: Monday, 23 July 2007, 19:31 GMT 20:31 UK

Europe's view of the Reform Treaty

The June summit set the tone for the new treaty
Ministers from EU member states have launched a three-month conference to finalise the details of the so-called Reform Treaty, the replacement for the doomed EU constitution.

But what do people across the EU think of the revival of the constitution in a different form? BBC correspondents find out.


IRELAND: JAMES HELM

It would be an exaggeration to say people are on the edge of their seats worrying about the fate of the Reform Treaty, but Ireland's role in the development of the constitution has not been forgotten.

Back in 2004, it was Irish Prime Minister Bertie Ahern who got Europe's leaders to agree on the text, at the end of Ireland's six months running the EU's rotating presidency.

Down the years Ireland has been a pretty enthusiastic member of the European Union.

Due to the requirements of Ireland's own constitution, Irish voters will get to have their say in a referendum on the Reform Treaty.

It is likely to be held in the first half of next year, and a poll conducted back in April and May suggested fairly strong support.

The Irish government will be wary of complacency, however, remembering how in 2001, to almost universal surprise around Europe, Irish voters rejected the Nice Treaty.

Then, the Green Party helped lead the No campaign. Now, the Greens are part of a coalition government, so may be less likely to rock the boat.

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