New EU-treaty/ against reservations - Journal (english) 18.10.2007 10:00 UTC

European Union leaders are meeting in Portugual to finalize the details of a key treaty aimed at reforming the bloc's institutions. The new treaty is designed to replace the European constitution which was rejected by French and Dutch voters two years ago. It includes proposals for a stronger foreign policy chief and a more democratic decision-making system. On the eve of the summit European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso said he hoped the leaders would be able to reach agreement on the treaty which he described as "the best on offer". But several EU members - including Italy and Poland - have expressed reservations. Many ordinary EU citizens are ALSO unconvinced of the need for such a document. The EU is trying to counter such attitudes by stressing the benefits of EU membership and the new treaty.