The European Union Thursday welcomed the ratification by the parliaments of Latvia and Lithuania of the Lisbon Treaty that will make the bloc's much needed institutional reforms possible.
"Each ratification is an important step forward on the path to the ultimate goal," a statement from the Slovenian EU Presidency said in reference to the EU's hope for the treaty, signed by EU heads of states and governments in December, to take effect as schedule on Jan. 1, 2009.
"The Treaty of Lisbon certainly represents a solid and relevant basis for further shaping of our common European future," the statement said, adding that the entry into force of the treaty will enable the EU to "become more efficient and its functioning more transparent."
"It will enable the European Union to face the challenges of the 21st century, not only internally, but also in its external relations, which will bring additional benefits to all EU citizens and member states."
The treaty must be ratified by all EU's 27 member states before it can take effect.
On Wednesday, the Lithuanian parliament passed the document with 83 votes in favor, 5 votes against and 23 in abstention.
While in Latvia, 70 lawmakers out of 74 voted in favor of the Lisbon Treaty.
With the approval of Lithuania and Latvia, the treaty has now been ratified by 13 EU member states.
Source:Xinhua
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