Barroso hails Czech approval of Lisbon Treaty

Naďa Straková
18. 2. 2009 16:00
European Commission boss hopes to see Czech Senate pass the treaty soon
José Manuel Barroso welcomes Czech Lisbon Treaty vote
José Manuel Barroso welcomes Czech Lisbon Treaty vote | Foto: Ondřej Besperát

Brussels - The first words of support coming from the EU are here. European Commission chief Jose Manuel Barroso hailed Wednesday the approval of the Lisbon Treaty by the lower house of the Czech Parliament.

"This is an important signal of the Parliament's commitment to Europe at a time when the Czech (E.U.) presidency is working with dedication and competence to lead the E.U," Barroso said in a statement.

Barroso also said he hoped "the treaty will be approved quickly" by the Czech upper house, the senate, so that the ratification process can be finalized."

The Lisbon Treaty is aimed at streamlining the EU institutions following the recent EU expansion.
The lower house of the Czech parliament approved Wednesday the Lisbon Treaty.

The Czech MPs voted 125 to 61 to adopt the treaty. The approval required a so called constitutional majority of 120 voters out of 200-seat lower house.

President Klaus was not taken by surprise, though. But he did send a signal towards the Senate.
"President believes that the Senate will take a more responsible approach towards the Lisbon Treaty," president's spokesperson Radim Ochvat told Aktuálně.cz.

President Klaus, a famous euroskeptic, said earlier that he would sign the treaty only if Ireland ratifies it.

But the Irish turned down the treaty in a referendum last year and now the Irish government is planning a new one. The date is yet to be announced. The latest poll says that around 51 percent of Irish voters would approve the treaty.

Come more often, I will make you change your mind, is the message from Prague Castle. President Klaus and EC chief Barroso
Come more often, I will make you change your mind, is the message from Prague Castle. President Klaus and EC chief Barroso | Foto: Ondřej Besperát

"I will make him change his mind"

When visiting Prague in January this year, José Barroso said that he expected the Czech Republic would ratify the treaty.

„If the countries signed the treaty, they should also ratify it," said Barroso at a January meeting in Prague.

President Klaus reacted to that jokingly: "I hope Mr Barroso will come to see us more often and I will make him change his mind. I hope soon he will be on my side as far as the Lisbon Treaty is concerned."

The Lisbon Treaty supporters argue that without the treaty the EU cannot function in a proper way.

Its opponents say that the euro-document would significantly curtail the national sovereignty and expose the small states being dominated by the big states.

 

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