Ceremony marks start of Lisbon Treaty

Top European Union officials have marked the coming into force of the Lisbon Treaty in the Portuguese capital. It spells the end of 8 years of wrangling and setbacks, in the course of the institutional construction of the bloc.

The EU will now be able to speak with one stronger voice on the international stage. Liu Yue has the story.

The ceremony took place in Lisbon, where the treaty was signed two years ago.

Fredrik Reinfeldt, Swedish Prime Minister, said, "Today is a historic day of all of us that believe in Europe. A more effective, more transparent and more modern European Union is born. And even closer cooperation between our 27 member states begins."

It features new rules to accelerate decision-making so the EU can respond more swiftly to global issues.

But the impact of the changes under the treaty will not be felt overnight.

Herman Van Rompuy, European Union President-elect, said, "We must make use of the treaty to pursue ambitious policies. What matters now is the content of these policies. Tackling the economic crisis, promoting employment, preserving our social model, fighting climate change and ensuring energy security."