Ratification of Lisbon Treaty

The Lisbon Treaty was actually created in 2007 but it was not until Tuesday, that it received full ratification from all 27 EU members. Let's quickly review the process.

The treaty is the replacement of a planned European Constitution, which failed after being rejected by Dutch and French voters in 2005. In December of 2007, EU leaders began ratifying the Lisbon treaty. Opponents of the treaty, including the Czech Republic, Poland and Ireland believe the pact would hurt national interest. In October of 2009, Irish voters backed it during a second referendum. Days later, Poland signs the treaty. That left the Czech president Vaclav Klaus as the last obstacle.

Last week, EU leaders agreed to Klaus' last-minute demand - of an opt-out from the treaty's Charter of Fundamental Rights in return for his signature.

FILE - In this Tuesday Sept. 29, 2009 file photo Declan Ganley,  leader of Euro-skeptic party Libertas, holds a copy of  'The Lisbon Treaty: The Readable Version' in Dublin,  Ireland. On Tuesday Nov. 3, 2009 the Czech constitutional  court ruled that the Lisbon Treaty is in line with the  constitution, clearing the way for President Vaclav Klaus to  sign it.(AP Photo/Peter Morrison, File)