Lisbon was actually plan C.

[eurosceptic]

Folks i found this gem in the archives of the Finacial Times. There was a scheme to hide the EU constitution in an accession treaty for Iceland if France said no (which they did). Fortunately accession faded off Icelandic agenda. Dont be surprised if they try the same gambit with Croatia or any other applicant. Would be perfect solution for government as it avoids a hugely risky 2nd referendum and may allow a bit of emotional blackmail.

Fishy plan for French No
Published: April 19 2005 03:00 | Last updated: April 19 2005 03:00

Could Reykjavik provide the European Union with its much wanted Plan B? Eurocrats are desperate for a strategy should France reject the constitution.

One suggestion is that some of the most important steps - such as giving Germany more voting powers - could be smuggled into an "accession treaty" the next time the EU enlarges.

The problem is that the EU's expansion has ground to a halt. Treaties with Bulgaria and Romania are signed on April 25, ahead of France's May 29 referendum - and, after that, Croatia isn't likely to join until 2009 at the earliest.

So step forward Iceland. The mid-Atlantic isle has hung back from joining the EU until now, because of the cost of giving up fishing rights.

But Reykjavik has started thinking seriously about membership and a delegation is expected to meet EU enlargement commissioner Olli Rehn in a few weeks.

The affluent island wouldn't be a problem for the EU to absorb, particularly when compared with aspirants such as Albania and Bosnia.

But would Reykjavik be ready to take the plunge? Maybe, if the island spells the end to the EU's constitutional headache, Brussels would make it an offer it couldn't refuse. Those Icelandic fish could be safe for a while yet.

[FutureTaoiseach]

I have great doubts ratifying an Accession treaty containing Lisbon or most of its provisions (especially the Charter) would be constitutional in this state without a referendum. What the govt might be able to get away with would be the reweighting of votes on the Council of Ministers but the Supreme Court might disagree. My fingers are crossed that Poland/Czech republic/Austria or all of the aforementioned countries will wreck this Treaty.

[NotDevsSon]

Folks i found this gem in the archives of the Finacial Times. There was a scheme to hide the EU constitution in an accession treaty for Iceland if France said no (which they did). Fortunately accession faded off Icelandic agenda. Dont be surprised if they try the same gambit with Croatia or any other applicant. Would be perfect solution for government as it avoids a hugely risky 2nd referendum and may allow a bit of emotional blackmail.

Fishy plan for French No
Published: April 19 2005 03:00 | Last updated: April 19 2005 03:00

Could Reykjavik provide the European Union with its much wanted Plan B? Eurocrats are desperate for a strategy should France reject the constitution.

One suggestion is that some of the most important steps - such as giving Germany more voting powers - could be smuggled into an "accession treaty" the next time the EU enlarges.

The problem is that the EU's expansion has ground to a halt. Treaties with Bulgaria and Romania are signed on April 25, ahead of France's May 29 referendum - and, after that, Croatia isn't likely to join until 2009 at the earliest.

So step forward Iceland. The mid-Atlantic isle has hung back from joining the EU until now, because of the cost of giving up fishing rights.

But Reykjavik has started thinking seriously about membership and a delegation is expected to meet EU enlargement commissioner Olli Rehn in a few weeks.

The affluent island wouldn't be a problem for the EU to absorb, particularly when compared with aspirants such as Albania and Bosnia.

But would Reykjavik be ready to take the plunge? Maybe, if the island spells the end to the EU's constitutional headache, Brussels would make it an offer it couldn't refuse. Those Icelandic fish could be safe for a while yet.

Not more of this garbage.

When a state joins an accession treaty has to be approved by all the states. The proposal was to do the two separate treaties together (but separate!!!) rather than have the states voting on one, and then a couple of weeks later on another.

Is there no end to these Eurosceptic fantasies and twisted facts?

[steady on now]

Folks i found this gem in the archives of the Finacial Times. There was a scheme to hide the EU constitution in an accession treaty for Iceland if France said no (which they did). Fortunately accession faded off Icelandic agenda. Dont be surprised if they try the same gambit with Croatia or any other applicant. Would be perfect solution for government as it avoids a hugely risky 2nd referendum and may allow a bit of emotional blackmail.

Fishy plan for French No
Published: April 19 2005 03:00 | Last updated: April 19 2005 03:00

Could Reykjavik provide the European Union with its much wanted Plan B? Eurocrats are desperate for a strategy should France reject the constitution.

One suggestion is that some of the most important steps - such as giving Germany more voting powers - could be smuggled into an "accession treaty" the next time the EU enlarges.

The problem is that the EU's expansion has ground to a halt. Treaties with Bulgaria and Romania are signed on April 25, ahead of France's May 29 referendum - and, after that, Croatia isn't likely to join until 2009 at the earliest.

So step forward Iceland. The mid-Atlantic isle has hung back from joining the EU until now, because of the cost of giving up fishing rights.

But Reykjavik has started thinking seriously about membership and a delegation is expected to meet EU enlargement commissioner Olli Rehn in a few weeks.

The affluent island wouldn't be a problem for the EU to absorb, particularly when compared with aspirants such as Albania and Bosnia.

But would Reykjavik be ready to take the plunge? Maybe, if the island spells the end to the EU's constitutional headache, Brussels would make it an offer it couldn't refuse. Those Icelandic fish could be safe for a while yet.

I see what you are saying. A new treaty could be put up for ratification with the stated aim to allow Croatia to come into the EU but it would include amendments to set up a European army, promote abortion, harmonise tax and install a European superstate.
I'm not worried because the trusty eurosceptics will be able to see through the fog and will alert us all

[locke]

I can see them using it to introduce rotating members of the commission, but most of what is in Lisbon would be difficult to introduce in this way.

[eurosceptic]

We will be there to alert you but there would be a blackmail card of denying croatia or anyone else their piece of the european dream (a la nice 2). On a practical level all the bits that dont require a referendum could be hidden in croatia's (or another's) accession treaty. Then a referendum could be held on the rest with a fait accomplis arguement. I would like a government spokesman to publicly rule out this approach.

[myksav]

I can see them using it to introduce rotating members of the commission, but most of what is in Lisbon would be difficult to introduce in this way.

Rotating Commissioners. I always get this image of the Commissioners on a kebab rotissery.

[Just Us]

I can see them using it to introduce rotating members of the commission, but most of what is in Lisbon would be difficult to introduce in this way.

Rotating Commissioners. I always get this image of the Commissioners on a kebab rotissery.

So does Conor Lenihan [and Bert - but he thinks it's a cabal plottin agin him]

[myksav]

I can see them using it to introduce rotating members of the commission, but most of what is in Lisbon would be difficult to introduce in this way.

Rotating Commissioners. I always get this image of the Commissioners on a kebab rotissery.

So does Conor Lenihan [and Bert - but he thinks it's a cabal plottin agin him]

Alternatively, it could be just a subtle hint to sit and swivel?