December 1, 2009 - 20:20 AMT
European Commission welcomes entry into force of Lisbon Treaty
The Lisbon Treaty, which aims to streamline the decision-making process of the European Union (EU), came into force on Tuesday. The occasion will be marked by a ceremony in the City of Lisbon organized jointly by the Portuguese Government, the Swedish Presidency and the European Commission, says a release addressed to PanARMENIAN.Net.

"I'm delighted that we now have the right institutions to act and a period of stability, so that we can focus all our energy on delivering what matters to our citizens," President of the European Commission José Manuel Barroso said.

The Treaty of Lisbon amends the current EU and EC treaties, without replacing them. It will provide the Union with the legal framework and tools necessary to meet future challenges and to respond to citizens' demands.