Lisbon treaty strengthens peace prospects

• Source: Global Times
• [02:24 December 03 2009]
• Comments

At the best of times, it is not easy for a 27-member bloc to reach an agreement, and the treaty is no exception. It was in Portugal, in 2007, that EU leaders signed what is the simplified version of the controversial European Constitution vetoed by France and the Netherlands in 2005. It later survived rejection by Irish voters in a 2008 referendum.

The tortuous progress of the treaty reflects the long and winding path that the EU has taken in the past several decades. From the European Coal and Steel Community in 1952 to the EU since 1993, from a 6-member group to a 27-member Union covering much of the continent, Europe represents the triumph of reason over hate and greed, which may trigger wars.

The Treaty of Lisbon does not hold out promise of a dramatic transformation of Europe. There are hopes and fears, expectations and anxieties.

But given the national rivalries that refuse to go away and the lack of a perceptible European consciousness, there is an underlying commitment in Europe to a single, strong and unified voice. As evident in negotiations over the euro and the treaty, institutional reform based on vision and determination paid off in the long run.

The rise of an integrated, peaceful and prosperous Europe suits China's interest in a multipolar world. European integration is based on an unwavering commitment to peace and development that has made the world a better place.