EU hails "Yes"-result of Irish referendum on Lisbon Treaty

The Presidency of the European Union (EU) Sweden on Saturday hailed the "Yes"-result of the Irish referendum on the Lisbon Treaty.

"Today is a good day for Europe. I am very pleased about the very positive outcome of the Irish referendum on the Lisbon Treaty," said the Swedish Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt at a press conference in Stockholm after hearing the positive result of the Irish referendum.

"Europe has listened to -- and acted on -- the concerns of the Irish people. This is European cooperation at its best. Once in place, the Lisbon Treaty will make the enlarged union more democratic, efficient and transparent," said Reinfeldt.

He understood that Polish President Lech Kaczynski would sign the legal act shortly. Czech Prime Minister Fischer and European Commission President Barroso will meet at a meeting in Brussels next Wednesday to discuss the issue.

Reinfeldt will also send Minister for European Affairs Cecilia Malmstrom to the Czech Republic on Thursday to check if there is any conflict between Czech's constitution and the treaty to facilitate for an early sign from the Czech Republic.

Ireland held the referendum on Friday, which was the second poll after it voted no last year. Its yes vote is one step forward to the ratification of the Lisbon Treaty. The other two countries which haven't signed the treaty are Poland and the Czech Republic.

The Lisbon Treaty is the new framework that is needed for the European Union to function with a growing number of member states.　

Source:Xinhua