European Union leaders voiced relief at clinching a deal on Friday on a treaty to reform the 27-nation bloc's institutions, replacing a defunct constitution and ending a two-year crisis of confidence in Europe's future. "It's an important page in the history of Europe. Europe is now stronger, more confident and ready to face the challenges in the future," Portuguese Prime Minister Jose Socrates said after brokering agreement at an EU summit.After their post-midnight deal, leaders hugged each other and toasted with champagne a treaty that will be signed on December 13 in Lisbon. Prime Minister Gordon Brown, who faces uproar at home over his refusal to put the treaty to a referendum, declined the champagne.
For enthusiastic European integrationists, on the other hand, celebration was tinged with regret for the constitution rejected by French and Dutch voters in 2005. German Chancellor Angela Merkel, who brokered the political mandate for the treaty in June, told reporters: "Certain items had to be taken out of the treaty but after what happened at the referendums we could not just go back with the same text. People would say that is not democratic." This time, only Ireland is likely to hold a referendum.
Provided it is ratified by all 27 member states, the treaty will take effect in 2009 giving the EU a long-term president, a more powerful foreign policy chief, more democratic decision making and more say for the European and national parliaments.
French President Nicolas Sarkozy suggested former Prime Minister Tony Blair or veteran Luxembourg Prime Minister Jean-Claude Juncker would make excellent candidates for the new president's job. He also hinted at endorsing Jose Manuel Barroso for a second term as president of the European Commission.