EU leaders sign reform treaty
Thursday, 13 Dec 2007 20:42
EU reform treaty signed in Lisbon
The European Union reform treaty has been signed by the leaders of all 27 of the bloc's member states.
Gordon Brown signed the document this afternoon by himself after being unable to attend a ceremony earlier today in Lisbon.
Speaking to the cross-party liaison committee in Westminster that he said had prevented him from joining other EU leaders in Portugal, the prime minister insisted the reform treaty was "in Britain's interest".
The new treaty, which replaces the EU constitution rejected by French and Dutch voters in 2005, must be ratified by the parliaments of individual member states before coming into force.
Denmark recently said it would not be holding a referendum on the document, leaving Ireland as the only member to put the treaty to the public vote.
The text of the agreement calls for the creation of a foreign affairs chief and a president of the EU bloc.
It also reforms voting arrangements on policy issues, restricting the ability of member states to veto certain issues. Unlike the rejected constitution it contains no mention of an EU anthem or flag.
Mr Brown's failure to attend the treaty-signing ceremony has been criticised by the Conservative party, which claims the prime minister is looking to avoid bad publicity.
But speaking after signing the treaty and ahead of a European Council meeting tomorrow Mr Brown said: "In Brussels on Friday, EU leaders will discuss our response to globalisation. We are agreeing a strong declaration, recognising that we must engage our international partners and work together within stronger multilateral organisations.
"We have an opportunity to demonstrate that the EU is open and outward looking, and focused on the opportunities and challenges of globalisation. Globalisation has created unprecedented levels of growth, trade and jobs, and brought economic prosperity to millions. It has the potential to do the same for millions more."
For this story in depth and more on Gordon Brown's views visit politics.co.uk, also part of the Adfero news network.