The Lisbon Treaty, which brings a package of reforms to the gigantic European Union (EU), is likely to be ratified by Austrian Parliament, Austrian Chancellor Alfred Gusenbauer said Friday.
Several political parties have voiced their support of the treaty, so there should be no problem getting it approved in parliament, Gusenbauer told reporters after a cabinet meeting.
He also expressed his government's firm support for the treaty, which replaces the failed EU Constitution and would make EU decision-making more efficient.
The government has the obligation to brief parliament and state councils on the treaty, so that they may get to know it better, he said.
Meanwhile, Austrian Foreign Minister Ursula Plassnik said the treaty is expected to be approved by parliament by mid-2008.
Learning from the lessons that some EU countries rejected the EU Constitution in referendums in 2005, the Austrian government and many other governments in the EU would not hold a referendum on the treaty. Instead they are seeking the approval of parliament.
The Lisbon Treaty brings into force stronger and more united EU foreign policy, as well as more democratic central decision-making mechanisms.
However, it leaves out articles from the previous constitution plan for a flag and an anthem for the 27-state bloc.
The treaty must get ratification from all 27 EU members before it can come into force in January 2009.
Source: Xinhua
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