Barroso 'welcomes' outcome of German court ruling on Lisbon treaty

Commission president Jose Manuel Barroso says he is "confident" the Lisbon treaty ratification process will be completed by the autumn.

His comments come after Germany's highest court ruled that the treaty is broadly in line with the country's constitution.

At the same time, the constitutional court suspended ratification of the text.

The court said extra national legislation was needed to ensure that the German parliament participated fully in adopting EU laws.

The controversial treaty is aimed at streamlining EU institutions to improve their efficiency.

A number of German MPs had asked the court to decide against the treaty.

The ratification process faces another big test later this year in the Republic of Ireland, where it will be put to a second referendum. Irish voters rejected the treaty in a vote a year ago.

In a statement, Barroso, said, "I am confident that with this judgement, the court has cleared the way for a swift conclusion of the German ratification of the treaty and I welcome the intentions already stated in this respect by German legislators.
 
"The treaty is essential for the EU's capacity to act in the present times. The court's judgment echoes the important innovations in the treaty of Lisbon, in particular the strengthening of the democratic legitimacy of the EU.

"The new powers for parliament coupled with the direct role of national parliaments in the decision-making process, recognised for the first time by this treaty, are important steps forward.
 
"I am confident that we can complete the process of ratification of the treaty of Lisbon in all countries by the autumn."

Currently, 23 of the 27 member states have approved the treaty but, for it to take effect, all EU states must back the document.

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