Repeated European referenda : from Maastricht to Lisbon

Abstract

The repeated referenda related to the European Union (EU) deepening (on Maastricht Treaty in 1992 and 1993 in Denmark, Nice Treaty in 2001 and 2002 and Lisbon Treaty in 2008 and 2009) and the recurrent success reasons, likely (presumptive) patterns is the field neglected in respect of analysis. Therefore the analysis will investigate the development of argumentation and situation from the point of view of reasoned choice. More profound investigation is prompted by observed upsurge of criticism before the first referenda and emerging opportunity to convince the voters in the second referenda when the same voters are made again, and do not resist, to express their will on the same issues. Usually the referenda is an instrument of to solve issues by crossing the confrontation frontlines among political parties. However, the EU issue is not the subject of dispute arising between traditional parties – it is rather a watershed among parliamentary and nonparliamentary parties. Consequently, the key role in the euro-referenda related to the integration deepening is not with the parties (their position will be necessarily referred to in some aspects) but with the government as a fundamental authority in a country. For this reason the position and policy of the latter will be the main focus in the subject of the analysis.