Lisbon: With the aim of stremalining EU decision making, the European Union’s Lisbon Treaty has come into force. The European Union welcomed the Lisbon Treaty with a ceremony in Lisbon.
The new treaty lays out a series of fundamental changes within the European Union, including creating the bloc’s first permanent president.
Former Belgian prime minister Herman Van Rompuy has been appointed for the same. Mr. Van Rompuy does not officially begin his duties until January.
“I am in an interim period. I make only a short statement. Questions – ask them starting January 1. And I have 2 1/2 years to answer all your questions. But today, I am rather reluctant and I only limit myself to a brief statement,” he said.
