The Ratification

FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE News Release issued by the Government News Network on 11 November 2004 Europe Minister Dr Denis MacShane welcomed today the ratification of the European Constitution by Lithuania – the first Member State to do so. Dr MacShane said: “I very much welcome today’s decision by the Lithuanian Parliament to ratify the new European Constitution. As one of the leading supporters of EU enlargement, we are pleased that one of the EU’s new members is the first to ratify this historic Treaty. Last year the people of Lithuania voted overwhelmingly to be part of Europe and today they have begun the process that will mark the beginning of what I hope will be a successful ratification process by all 25 Member States. Only 12-years on from independence, Lithuania has sent a strong signal that this treaty benefits proud independent sovereign nations. ”