In today's vote in the Czech Senate the Treaty of Lisbon received the necessary majority. With the approval of the Treaty by the Senate, the process of parliamentary ratification in the Czech Republic has been completed, as is already the case in 25 other member states.

Commenting on this, Federal Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier issued today (6 May) in Berlin the following statement:

“Today the Czech Senate voted to approve the Treaty of Lisbon. Shortly before the European Parliament elections that is good news for Europe – and a powerful signal in the direction of the upcoming second referendum in Ireland. It remains our common goal to see the Treaty enter into force at the latest by the end of the year. Today we are a good deal closer to achieving this goal.”