“I want to congratulate myself with Hungary as the first Country to cast it s vote of approval to the Lisbon Treaty”. José Manuel Barroso, President of the Commission, on December 18 addressed the expressions of his gratitude to Budapest and explained that “the Parliament’s vote of last night, is the expression of Hungary’s support to a more democratic European Union, more transparent and strong.” Barroso spoke of a “first step” to grasp the concrete benefits of the Treaty. “I hope – added the Portuguese politician – that other Member States will follow the example set by Hungary”. The head of the executive believes it is highly significant that the first Country which said “yes” to the Treaty “is one of those which entered the EU in 2004. This shows that enlargement is an inspiration for future development of community integration” and that “EU enlargement and development proceed sided by side”.
