"Sweden has today drawn closer to the heart of Europe", says Andrew DUFF (LibDem, United Kingdom), spokesman for the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats (ALDE) for Constitutional Affairs, after the positive decision on the Treaty of Lisbon by the Rijksdag last night.

Andrew Duff added: "Sweden has joined 25 other national parliaments in Europe, alongside the European Parliament, in saying yes to Lisbon. It is fortunate that Sweden does not have an eccentric, eurosceptic head of state to impede the completion of the ratification process."

"For Ireland, the message is clear. Small and 'neutral' countries need a strong and reformed European Union in which to live and towards which to contribute," concluded Duff.