071213-europe
LISBON - Europe's leaders sign treaty

European Union leaders have signed the Treaty of Lisbon to reform the bloc's institutions and give it stronger leadership.

MOREINFO: At an elaborate signing ceremony at Lisbon's grandiose Jeronimos Monastery, leaders said the treaty would open a new chapter in E.U. history by giving it a more robust foreign policy and more democracy in decision making. But Britain's Prime Minister chose to sign the treaty separately, sparking debate about the country's semi-detached attitude to Europe.

SCRIPT:

One by one Europe's leaders take their turn to sign the Treaty of Lisbon.

The elaborate ceremony marks the end of a long and often difficult process.

The E.U. has been trying to reform its institutions for 10 years.

And members - including Germany - now hope it will have a more robust foreign policy and a more democratic decision making process.

(SOUNDBITE) (German) GERMAN CHANCELLOR ANGELA MERKEL SAYING:

"We are very happy to be here. I believe this is an important day for Europe, and we have to make sure that this treaty will be ratified everywhere. And I think that Europe will enter a new stage with this treaty."

There was a party atmosphere during the signing although there was one party pooper.

Britain's Prime Minister Gordon Brown had a prior engagement and had to sign the Treaty late and alone.

For some it was a symbolic attempt by Britain to remain semi-detached from Europe.

For others it was another political boo-boo by a leader who's struggling after a series of gaffes at home.

Britain's Foreign Minister was, of course, not dwelling on that.

(SOUNDBITE) (English) BRITISH FOREIGN MINISTER DAVID MILIBAND

"A day for Europe to look to the future."

The Treaty is a toned down version of the constitution.

It's been adapted to consider 12 new members - mostly ex-communist countries.

The Commission's President is confident it will make the E.U. more effective.

(SOUNDBITE) (English) PRESIDENT OF THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION JOSE MANUEL DURAO BARROSO SAYING:

"The treaty of Lisbon will reinforce the union's capacity to act and the ability to achieve those goals in an effective way. As such, it will help the union to deliver better results to European citizens in an even more open and transparent way"

The Treaty will now have to be ratified by every member country.

Leaders will be hoping to avoid the 2005 "No" vote in France and the Netherlands.

This time only Ireland is planning a referendum, reducing the risk of an upset.

Sonia Legg, Reuters.

spark – activate
party pooper - a person who refuses to join in the fun of a party
engagement - appointment, date

boo-boo - an embarrassing mistake
struggle - to progress with difficulty: struggled through the novel
dwelling - a place to live in; an abode
upset - A disturbance, disorder, or state of agitation.