German Chancellor Angela Merkel, in her last presence in the EU Parliament as current president (Portugal will take the lead of EU on July 1st), explained that "Through the treaty of reformation, the social dimension of the Union will be strengthened, and the binding value of the chart of fundamental rights will be acknowledged", except for Great Britain, which obtained the opt-out guarantee, "in respect of its specific juridical system". Moreover, Merkel declared to be against Europe "with two speeds": "Just by acting together we shall respect the community project, and we shall guarantee the rights and the interests of our citizens". By speaking at the headquarters of the European Parliament, the head of the Executive, Barroso, illustrated the need to follow the works of the Intergovernmental Conference, and to start the necessary ratifications of the treaty next year. Then, he said to be "really satisfied" about the agreement subscribed by the 27 member States for "the adoption of the majority vote, which will give the EU more effectiveness", and for the "strengthening of internal democracy, thanks to the more significant powers of the EU Parliament and of the national parliaments, and to the juridical obligation of the Chart of rights". Barroso concluded by recalling that "then, it will be necessary to explain citizens the reached compromise, and the reasons why the EU needs" the reformations fixed by the summit.” “
