Olli Rehn, the policymaker responsible for the European Union’s enlargement strategy, on Thursday threw down a challenge to France and Germany, saying Ireland’s rejection of the EU’s Lisbon treaty should not serve as an excuse to obstruct the bloc’s expansion.

“The Irish No to the Lisbon treaty has raised some questions on the future of enlargement. Will it affect the process? It should not be allowed to,” Mr Rehn said.