In a debate on the future of Europe today in Strasbourg with Swedish Prime Minister Frederik Reinfeldt, Graham Watson MEP (leader of the Liberals and Democrats) addressed the heart of the changes foreseen in the new Lisbon Treaty and the misplaced criticism of eurosceptics:

"The entry into force of the Lisbon Treaty will bring about a democratic revolution at the heart of European decision-making.  Eurosceptics are both barking mad to oppose a Treaty which finally puts citizens and their representatives in the driving seat but they are also barking up the wrong tree by bringing their protest to this Parliament which has no say on national referenda.

The Treaty provides a framework for a future we have yet to sketch. If and when the new Treaty comes into force Sweden will have the privilege next year to guide the Union through this decisive period where its added value will be measured by delivery of practical results."

"One thing the Treaty will not resolve instantly is the distance between the EU institutions and the people of Europe. That is the real debate we should be having and one that is of some urgency."

Olle Schmidt (Folkpartiet, Sweden) welcomed the prospect of Sweden becoming a more active partner in Europe but lamented that it remained outside the core of eurozone countries:

"How will it be possible to secure Sweden's place at the core of the EU when we lose out on monetary cooperation by not being part of the Single Currency? Remaining the outsider carries a high price, economically but also politically. The time has come to end endless discussions and set a firm time line for entry."