European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso congratulated Britain on Wednesday on the country's approval of Lisbon Treaty following a rejection in Ireland last week.
"I would like to congratulate the United Kingdom on the approval of the Treaty of Lisbon by parliament today," Barroso said in a statement after the British upper house of Lords ratified the treaty late Friday, which aimed to streamline institutions and decision making of the European Union (EU).
"I would like to thank the government and parliament for the constant support for the new treaty during the negotiation and ratification process," he added.
The ratification was set to be finalized after Queen Elizabeth II gives her formal consent on Thursday morning, making Britain the nineteenth EU member to approve the treaty.
"I believe the new treaty will make the European Union more effective, democratic and stronger on the global stage," Barroso said.
The approval came at a crucial time when Irish voters rejected the treaty in a national referendum last week, plunging the EU's further integration into crisis.
EU leaders were expected to devote much of their time at a two-day summit starting Thursday to find solutions to the Irish "No."
The Lisbon Treaty can only enter into force after all the 27 EU member states ratify it.
Barroso urged the remaining countries to continue with the ratification process.
"I believe it is important that all member states express their position on the Treaty of Lisbon and I call on all of those that have not ratified the Treaty to continue the ratification process," he said.
Source:Xinhua
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