国际英语新闻：EU to celebrate Lisbon Treaty on Dec. 1

STOCKHOLM, Nov. 26 (Xinhua) -- The European Union will celebrate the Treaty of Lisbon in Lisbon, capital of Portugal on Dec. 1 when the treaty enters into force, according to a statement issued by Sweden, the current rotating presidency of the EU.

    "In the city that has lent its name to the treaty, the event is being marked with fireworks, music and speeches from EU leaders. Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt will attend," said the statement.

    Other big names to attend the ceremony include Portuguese President Anibal Cavaco Silva, President of the European Parliament Jerzy Buzek, incoming Spanish Presidency's Prime Minister Jose Luis Zapatero, the newly elected permanent President of the European Council Herman Van Rompuy and President of the European Commission Jose Manuel Barroso.

    The Treaty of Lisbon, equivalent to the "EU's Constitution" came into being in Lisbon in 2007, when the EU's heads of state and government met there and signed the treaty.

    Now, since all member states have ratified the text and the treaty will enter into force on Dec. 1 as scheduled, the EU leaders and the Portuguese government decided to celebrate it in Lisbon, according to the statement.

    The signing of the treaty by all EU members was one of the goals to be fulfilled during the Swedish EU presidency.