Today on 1st July, France takes over the presidency of the Council of the European Union from Slovenia. The transfer takes place at a crucial point in time for the EU. Following the Irish referendum of 12th June this year, when Ireland turned down the ratification of the Treaty of Lisbon (we reported earlier on the ratification process), the Union finds itself in somewhat of a crises. The much needed structural changes that where to be introduced by the Treaty cannot be put into place until all member States have ratified the Treaty. Following the result of the Irish vote, a…