Poland Signs EU Treaty 

2009-10-12 06:43

 

Poland finally signed the European Union Lisbon Treaty on reform at a ceremony in Warsaw.

President Lech Kaczynski had been holding off until the outcome of a referendum in Ireland.

When Irish voters gave the treaty their overwhelming support, Kaczynski put pen to paper.

But he says the bloc should remain a union of sovereign nations and must keep its doors open to new members.

[Lech Kaczynski, President of Poland]:
"Croatia will probably join our union soon. But it cannot be the last country. The EU, an exceptionally successful, wonderful, experiment, something without precedent in human history, cannot be closed to those who wish to join."

Poland's the 26th member state to sign the treaty intended to strengthen the bloc's leadership, improve foreign policy and create a fairer decision-making system.

Sweden's Prime Minister says it's now all down to the Czech Republic, whose president is still demanding exemptions before he signs.

[Fredrik Reinfeldt, Swedish Prime Minister]:
"Today the signature of President Kaczynski brings us one step closer to a new treaty. However, the Czech Republic still needs to complete its ratification to the treaty to a signature by President Klaus. Europe eagerly awaits this to happen. We do not need more delays."

The signing ceremony drew a small protest from the Polish far right outside the presidential palace in Warsaw. Opponents fear the treaty marks a step closer to a European superstate that would dilute national sovereignty.