Ireland has rejected the European Union reform treaty.
The result, a surprise to Irish politicians, bookmakers and other European governments, leaves Europe's future uncertain. The treaty requires approval from all member states: Ireland's vote raises legal questions for which there are, as yet, no answers. Creativity and flexibility, while absolutely necessary, are not enough: The resounding "no" in Ireland is evidence of the fundamental disconnect between the dreams of European politicians and the fears of their constituents.
The rapid growth of the European Union since 2004, as it expanded from 15 members to 27, has made clear the limitations of the union's institutions and procedures.
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