Sweden takes the number of the ratifications of the Treaty of Lisbon to 25, and that is a sign for community Europe. After the rejection of the Treaty, expressed by the Irish voters through last spring’s referendum, the ratification by the Czech Republic is still awaited. Among other things, the Czech Republic is presiding over the European Union from next January 1st. Andrew Duff, English member of EU parliament and member of the Constitution Committee of the European Parliament, stated: "Sweden thus approaches the heart of Europe". The Rijksdag, the Stockholm parliament, approved the Treaty with a large majority. According to Andrew Duff, the Swedish members of parliament who approved the Treaty "together with the other national parliaments and the European Union parliament" are warning Ireland. "The message is clear. Small countries need a strong and reformed European Union, which they support and within which one lives well". The Council of the heads of state and government, summoned in Brussels on December 11th and 12th, will pronounce on the future of the Treaty of Lisbon, to break the impasse generated by the Irish rejection. ” “
