All not lost for IMDA (Irish Medical Devices Association) over EU enlargement vote
This article was originally published in Clinica
Executive Summary
Ireland's rejection by referendum of the prospective enlargement of the EU, as envisaged under the Nice Treaty, will have come as a disappointment to the Irish Medical Devices Association (IMDA). Director Sharon Higgins had voiced the industry's excitement at the "significant increase in marketplace" that enlargement would bring (see Clinica No 960, p 3). Observers believe, however, that it is only a question of time before Ireland will be persuaded to accept, such as by offering military neutrality options with regard to the EU's rapid reaction force. EU ministers have until the end of 2002 to persuade Ireland to accept the treaty.