Lithuania Ratifies EU Constitution
Tuesday, November 16, 2004 12:40 PM
Nearly two weeks after the European Constitution was formally signed, Lithuania became the first country in the EU to ratify it. The Lithuanian Parliament ratified the Constitution by an overwhelming majority on November 11. Lithuania seemingly beat out the European Parliament—which expected to be the first parliament in Europe to ratify the Constitution in December. Similarly, Italy was expecting to be the first member state to ratify the Constitution in its parliament. All twenty-five Member States must ratify the Constitution (through a referendum or parliament) before it can come into force. Compiled from: Lithuania first to ratify EU Constitution, EUobserver.com, 11 Nov. 2004