Ireland deposited the ratification instruments for the Treaty of Lisbon today at the foreign ministry in Rome, where the treaties establishing the European Community are kept. The ceremony took place in the presence of the ministry’s Secretary General Giampiero Massolo and of Ireland’s Minister for Foreign Affairs Dick Roche.
This was a major step as sit brings the number of Member States who have completed the process to 26 out of 27, and ends Ireland’s lengthy debate over EU reform. Lacking at this point for its entrance into force is ratification by the Czech Republic.
“It is a good day for Europe, that augurs well for the conclusion of the process within the year”, Ambassador Massolo stated, underscoring that the EU needed “stronger institutions” in order to have a greater importance on the international scenario and, above all, in order to be more attractive to its citizens, who “want to feel more represented”. Ireland confirmed its “European vocation” as witnessed by the 67% vote in favour of the Treaty in the October 2 referendum, as Minister Roche pointed out, adding that Ireland was proud to contribute to the process of strengthening Europe that is fundamental to responding to the challenges of the future and of globalization.