EU Leaders Discuss Future After Irish Treaty Rejection

European leaders are gathered for a two-day summit in Brussels tosearch for a way forward for the European Union after Irish votersrejected the EU treaty in a referendum last week. From Paris, LisaBryant reports it is unlikely a breakthrough will be achieved duringthe talks.

At a news conference with Irish Prime Minister BrianCowen, European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso dismissedchances the 27 European Union leaders gathered in Brussels will reachany kind of quick solution to the crisis facing the bloc afterIreland's rejection of the Lisbon treaty.

"We agreed that thedecision of the Irish people must be respected," said Barroso. "Weequally agreed that the right of other member states to reach their ownposition on the treaty should also be respected. At this evening'sdinner of the European Council the [Irish prime minister] will sharehis analysis of the results of the referendum. I fully agree with hisview that the vote was not against Europe."

Nineteen EuropeanUnion countries have approved the treaty, with the British parliamentgiving it the green light Wednesday. Ireland, with a population thatconstitutes less than two-tenths of one percent of the entire EUpopulation, is the only member holding a referendum on the treaty andthe only country to have rejected it.

A number of member statesare pushing for the other EU countries to vote on the treaty. Thatmay increase pressure for Ireland to hold another referendum on thedocument although Irish voters could vote "no" once again.

Barrosotold reporters he expected more discussion on the future of theEuropean Union and its treaty at another summit this October.  

PrimeMinister Cowen said Ireland would begin talks with fellow EU members,agreeing that a quick fix during this summit was not in the cards.

"Itis far too early yet for anyone to put forward proposals," he said. "Ifully accept that we will need to work intensively in the coming monthsto identify what possible solutions may be available to us."

Ireland'srejection of the treaty is particularly a blow to France, which takesover the rotating EU presidency next month. French President NicolasSarkozy has a number of ambitions plans, including a newEuropean-Mediterranean partnership, and aligning the bloc more closelyin matters of immigration, defense and taxes. Those plans may now facea setback.