The Treaty of Nice and the future of the European Union

While respecting the will of the Irish people, Ministers expressed their regret at the results of the Irish referendum on the Treaty of Nice. They ruled out any reopening of the text signed in Nice. The ratification of the Treaty will continue on the basis of the text and in accordance with the agreed timetable. The Fourteen expressed their readiness to contribute in every possible way to help the Irish government find a way forward, taking into account the concerns reflected by this result, without re-opening the text of the Nice Treaty.�