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Europe Sets a New Course

EU Leaders Agree on Landmark Treaty

European Union leaders meeting in Portugal have agreed on a historic treaty to reform the organization. The new Treaty of Lisbon is designed to replace the failed European Constitution.

DPA

The EU heads of states and foreign ministers pose for a family picture at the European Union summit in Lisbon.

Diplomats announced the agreement in the early hours of Friday morning. The deal was reached shortly after midnight after leaders overcame objections from Italy and Poland.

"With this new treaty, Europe has overcome an impasse that lasted for several years ... and gets ready to face the challenges of the future," Portuguese Prime Minister Jose Socrates, the host of the two-day summit, said at a news conference.

The treaty, which will be known as the Treaty of Lisbon, is designed to replace the European Constitution that was rejected by French and Dutch voters in referendums in 2005. It will be formally signed on Dec. 13.

Under the new treaty, a new longer-term president of the European Council will be created, as will an EU foreign policy chief. If all member states ratify the treaty, it will come into force in 2009.

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