| 19 June 2009 Chaired by the Czech Presidency, the European Council gave the green light to the guarantees for Ireland so that a new Irish referendum on the Lisbon Treaty can take place. The Council also agreed on the new European Commission leader; it found consensus on conclusions concerning climate change and reached political agreement on the new European framework for financial supervision. The Czech Presidency brokered the wording of Irish guarantees that are acceptable for Ireland as well as for the other Member States – this is a major success and good news for the whole of Europe. It is a clarifying text that does not amend the Lisbon Treaty. The guarantees will not lead to a re-opening of the process of ratification. The guarantees address tax issues, the neutrality of Ireland and social affairs. However, they relate not only to Ireland - for instance in the tax area, they will be relevant for other Member States as well. It is a legally binding decision of the heads of state and government fully in compliance with the Lisbon Treaty. It will enable Ireland to set a date for the referendum and, in case of a positive result, lead to a timely adoption of the Treaty. This represents an important step toward increasing the efficiency of an enlarged EU as well as institutional stability. The European Council also underlined the need for a significant strengthening of the cooperation with the main countries of origin and transit. It invited the Commission to explore concrete cooperation with third countries in line with earlier mandates adopted by the Council. The effectiveness of the EU's readmission agreements need to be increased as part of the overall EU external policies. Concluding the negotiations on the EC readmission agreements with key countries of origin and transit such as Libya and Turkey is a priority; until then, already existing bilateral agreements should be adequately implemented. Brussels conclusions.pdf
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