Governments in the European Union are exploring what to do after the Irish Republic's rejection of the Lisbon Treaty to reform the expanded EU.

France and Germany have described the No vote in the referendum as a serious blow but have urged the EU to press ahead with the project.

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But Czech President Vaclav Klaus said the treaty was finished, since any further ratification was impossible.

His is a lone voice among EU leaders, but his views will probably resonate with many European voters who did not get a say in a referendum, says the BBC's Oana Lungescu in Brussels.

The third failed referendum on an EU treaty in three years can only be seen as a serious blow to the EU's credibility at home and abroad, our correspondent adds.

'Take their course'

Voters in the Irish Republic rejected the Lisbon treaty in a vote by 53.4% to 46.6%.

The 27-nation EU requires all its members to ratify the treaty but only Ireland has held a public vote.

A referendum was mandatory in the Republic as the country would need to change its constitution to accommodate the treaty.

The European Commission says nations should continue to ratify the treaty, designed to streamline decision-making.

British Foreign Secretary David Miliband said the UK would press on with its ratification.

Lisbon is supposed to replace the European constitution, which was rejected by French and Dutch voters three years ago.

European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso said that Ireland remained "committed to a strong Europe".

"Ratifications should continue to take their course," he added.

The treaty, which is designed to help the EU cope with its expansion into eastern Europe, provides for a streamlining of the European Commission, the removal of the national veto in more policy areas, a new president of the European Council and a strengthened foreign affairs post.

It is due to come into force on 1 January 2009.

Fourteen countries out of the 27 have completed ratification so far.

(BBC)

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