Andrew Duff Welcome Lisbon Ratification:

6.00.00pm GMT Tue 3rd Nov 2009

Warmly welcoming the ratification of the Treaty of Lisbon today, Andrew Duff MEP, President of the Union of European Federalists, said:-

"Lisbon has been a long time coming but better late than never. Its reforms are sorely needed if Europe is to play a credible part in world affairs and if its own citizens are to credit the European Union with greater political legitimacy.

"The issue of Lisbon is now settled. The EU grows stronger and more united. Nationalism is in retreat. Those who opposed the treaty should now face the facts: Lisbon will be in force on 1 December. All those who wish Europe well should combine to implement the reforms quickly and efficiently.

"Nobody should underestimate the impact of Lisbon. The new treaty will be felt most immediately in foreign and security policy and in justice and home affairs. But Europe's economic recovery will also benefit from the revival of trust between the states and the EU institutions. And the EU receives a welcome boost in time for the critical Copenhagen climate change talks.

"The Treaty of Lisbon has many authors. The UEF is proud to have assisted at its birth. We will continue to build a united European democracy."

END