Poland lodges EU membership ratification document in Rome

This makes Poland the third country, after Denmark and Malta, who has completed this final formal process. The Treaty concerning EU enlargement was signed on April 16 in Athens, and will come to force on May 1 next year, if all member states and at least one candidate country submit the ratification documents in Rome by April 1. After submitting the document the ambassador said that, "This step means that Poland confirms its will, and officially announces that the Treaty is regarded as rightful and legal in our country, was confirmed, ratified and will be respected." Radlicki also expressed hope that the Italian Parliament will ratify the Accession Treaty still this year. This would be a significant gesture during the period of the Italian presidency of the EU. (www.onet.pl) A.K.