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Latest update: 18/02/2009
- Czech Republic - European Union - Lisbon Treaty - Mirek Topolanek
Lower house approves EU Lisbon treaty in key step
The Czech Republic's lower house of parliament approved the EU's reforming Lisbon treaty on Wednesday. The 125 to 61 vote was a key step towards eventual ratification. (Pictured: Czech PM Mirek Topolanek)
AFP - The lower house of parliament in the Czech Republic, the current holder of the European Union presidency, approved the EU's reforming Lisbon Treaty on Wednesday.
"The Chamber of Deputies of the Czech parliament gives its consent to the ratification of the Lisbon Treaty," said parliament deputy speaker Lubomir Zaoralek.
A total of 125 parliament members voted in favour of the text, five more than were needed for it to be approved, while 61 voted against.
The vote effectively launched the ratification of the text, which must still be approved by the Senate and signed by the president.
The country was the last member in the 27-nation bloc to hold either a parliamentary vote or referendum on the document designed to streamline EU decision-making.
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