"I wish to congratulate Hungary on being the first country to approve of the Lisbon Treaty". José Manuel Barroso, president of the EU Commission, thanks Budapest, explaining that "the Parliament’s poll held last night was the expression of Hungary’s support to a more democratic, transparent and strong European Union". Barroso speaks of a "first step" towards reaping the effective benefits of the Treaty. "I hope he adds more member states will follow the example set by Hungary". The head of the EU Executive thinks the fact the first country which said yes to the Treaty "is one of those which joined the EU in 2004" is extremely symbolical. "This proves the extension of the EU is an inspiration for the future development of the EU’s integration" and that "the extension and deepening" of the EU "move at the same pace".
