Sixteen months after rejecting the same treaty, voters in Ireland have emphatically accepted the European Union’s Lisbon Treaty — an agreement that gives more power to the European Parliament and creates the position of the president of the European Council.

The BBC:

Irish voters have strongly endorsed the European Union’s Lisbon Treaty – 16 months after their first vote rejecting it plunged EU reforms into deadlock.

About 67% voted “Yes”, official results from the latest referendum showed. Irish Prime Minister Brian Cowen hailed a “clear and resounding” endorsement.

The EU Commission called it a “vote of confidence” in the EU. Nearly all member states have ratified Lisbon.

The treaty is aimed at streamlining decision-making in the 27-nation bloc.

Read more

WAIT, BEFORE YOU GO…

If you're reading this, you probably already know that non-profit, independent journalism is under threat worldwide. Independent news sites are overshadowed by larger heavily funded mainstream media that inundate us with hype and noise that barely scratch the surface. We believe that our readers deserve to know the full story. Truthdig writers bravely dig beneath the headlines to give you thought-provoking, investigative reporting and analysis that tells you what’s really happening and who’s rolling up their sleeves to do something about it.

Like you, we believe a well-informed public that doesn’t have blind faith in the status quo can help change the world. Your contribution of as little as $5 monthly or $35 annually will make you a groundbreaking member and lays the foundation of our work.

SUPPORT TRUTHDIG