PN MEPs Simon Busuttil and David Casa expressed their deep disappointment at the outcome of the referendum on the Lisbon Treaty in Ireland.

“This is a very disappointing result indeed. It is bad news for Europe and bad news for Malta, as we now stand to lose our sixth seat in the European Parliament.” they said.

“Following our adoption of the euro and our accession to Schengen, Malta is already deeply integrated into the EU and we have a vested interest in a strong Union,” the MEPs said.

Malta had, they said, invested a lot of time and energy in securing a crucial sixth seat in the EP in a bid to strengthen its representation and participation in this increasingly important EU institution. However, if the Lisbon Treaty does not come into force, Malta’s sixth seat will not materialise.

Equally all progress registered in the Lisbon Treaty, such as in areas of a common European immigration policy, is now in jeopardy.

The MEPs said that the Irish “no” vote put the entire ratification process in danger.

“Perhaps the time has come for countries who want to take European integration forward to be able to do so without being held hostage by recalcitrant countries.” the MEPs said.

“There is no question that those countries who do not want to go along should be free to do so. But why should they be able to stop all the rest from moving on? Perhaps it is time for them to decide whether they want to stay in the European Union,” they said.

The next elections to the European Parliament are due to be held in June next year.