EU leaders sign Lisbon agreement
The heads of state and government from 27 member countries of the European Union today signed EU's new constitutional deal -- the Lisbon Agreement. The document is to replace the ill-fated European Constitution which was rejected by France and the Netherlands during national referenda in 2005. Out of all EU leaders, only British PM Gordon Brown was not present at the signing ceremony.
The Constitutional agreement was approved in October 2007 following hot debates. The paragraph about the state symbols -- EU's flag and anthem -- was removed from the final version of the agreement.
At the same time, the new deal envisages two new posts -- EU president to be elected for a term of two and a half years and the deputy chairman of the European Commission who will function as EU's Supreme Commissioner for Foreign Policy and Security.
The Lisbon Agreement is expected to come into force in 2009 after all member states have it signed and ratified, reports Interfax.
The Constitutional agreement was approved in October 2007 following hot debates. The paragraph about the state symbols -- EU's flag and anthem -- was removed from the final version of the agreement.
At the same time, the new deal envisages two new posts -- EU president to be elected for a term of two and a half years and the deputy chairman of the European Commission who will function as EU's Supreme Commissioner for Foreign Policy and Security.
The Lisbon Agreement is expected to come into force in 2009 after all member states have it signed and ratified, reports Interfax.
