Lithuania praised for swift constitution approval
Lithuania’s lightning-quick ratification of the new EU constitution today puts older EU member states to shame, British Liberal Democrat MEP Andrew Duff said today.
Lithuania, one of the 10 new nations which joined last May, approved the constitution text overwhelmingly in a parliamentary 84-4 majority vote. There were three abstentions.
The fuss-free move came less than a fortnight after the controversial document was signed by EU leaders at a ceremony in Rome.
The other 24 EU countries have up to two years either to do the same, or hold referendums.
Whichever option is chosen the constitution falls if just one or other country votes it down.
In member states where this is a distinct possibility – including the UK, France, the Czech Republic and the Netherlands – there have been accusations of foot-dragging over ratification by governments not wishing to carry the can for scuppering the landmark constitution.
Liberal Democrat MEP Andrew Duff said: “The Lithuanian Parliament has today shown astonishing alacrity in ratifying the constitution, after its signature in Rome on October 29.
“Lithuania, as a new member state, has shamed those older member states that are trying to delay their ratification by rushing to the back of the queue.
“All other EU governments should now give the highest priority to bringing the constitution into force so that Europe will be able to stand on its own two feet in world affairs and the Union itself will be better governed in a more democratic way.”
