Brussels, 19/06/2008 (Agence Europe) - Although disappointed by the results of the Irish referendum on the Lisbon Treaty, the president of the Committee of the Regions (CoR), Luc Van den Brande, declared during a press conference in Brussels: “While respecting the votes and positions of the different people and states, I remain convinced that we need to continue the ratification process of the Lisbon Treaty as well as deepen European integration and joint management in the decision-making process”. The president launched an appeal to the European summit on 19-20 June to find a solution so that the Irish no vote does not slow down the ratification process of the other member states. He declared that “the European Union is still the best guarantee for peace, prosperity and freedom for 500 million citizens". Mr Van den Brande also said that the result “would not prevent the CoR from pursuing its commitment to deeper European integration and its campaign for more subsidiarity, more decentralisation, more transparency and more democracy”. This statement explains the importance of better communication with citizens about Europe and for the EU to listen and respond to their expectations. Mr Van den Brande concluded: “We need to work in partnership - this is the best way to deliver the right solutions to the challenges of globalisation, climate change and solidarity." (G.B.)