As we edge closer to the Irish referendum, even some of the most doubtful citizens of Ireland have been convinced that accepting the Lisbon Treaty is the right thing to do.
Both the government and the opposition have positioned themselves in favour, and the citizens are, according to opinion polls, going to follow suit.

Fear moving Europe forward

What has really changed with the Lisbon Treaty since the referendum? Essentially nothing. Well, nearly nothing. Europe and the rest of the world experienced a period of recession (the word crisis is somewhat passé; and doesn't really reflect the impact of the recession). This recession generated deep fear for the future, which seemed justified at the time. As we slowly emerge from the 'crisis', we realise that people did not need to be so fearful The 'crisis' was in fact, an economic slowdown.

So asking again - what really changed with the Lisbon Treaty?
The answer is that in fact it is not the Lisbon Treaty that changed, but people's  perception of the European Union, as a stabilising, dependable collective of Institutions and mechanisms, at a time of 'crisis'.
Not much comment on this is necessary. The Lisbon Treaty is a step forward, and we should welcome it. But it is sufficient to say that the Irish who are going to vote, are not doing so with a clear mind- but a stressed, tired and afraid mindset.

Fear moving relations backwards

And while the European Union prepares to take it's next large step forward, A recent Newsweek blog post entitled 'Europhobia Is Only Getting Uglier' shows relations between the EU and the US are preparing to take a turn for the worst. With most of the EU being one step ahead of the US in terms of opportunities for free education, life expectancy, quality of life, even employment prospects, healthcare, and pensions, Americans are, or seem to be from this blog post, becoming envious, and exhibiting negative attitudes towards Europe.
Though I have not heard some of these in use, the rhetoric in America is including new Anti-European terms. Indeed, right-wing commentators and politicians in the US use the words "Eurinal", "Euroids", “Euroweenies,” and "Peens” (amongst other things) to describe Europe and its citizens.
Other things heard in the US says Newsweek's blog post, "are that Europe is full of 'cowards', (Bill O'Reilly). Obama’s stimulus package was 'the European Socialist Act of 2009' (Sean Hannity). Those who favour a new model for health care are part of an all-but-treasonous anti-American conspiracy to transform  the United States into a 'Europ­ean social welfare state" (Rush Limbaugh).
Apparently Europhobia in the US is stronger than ever.
So what of the great partnership between the EU and the US? The coming together that Europe hoped for when the 'Great Black Hope' addressed the world from Berlin last year?
As Europe prepares to take one step forward - are we crossing the line between ally and potential (economic and trade) threat?
Should we be preparing for a period of cooler relations?

Here's hoping that we only move forward; in, and out of Europe.