Klaus sets out terms for signing Lisbon Treaty

CZECH President Vaclav Klaus set out his terms yesterday for signing the EU’s Lisbon reform treaty, demanding an exemption to protect Prague from post-war property claims and safeguard the sovereignty of the judiciary.

Klaus’s demands further complicate the EU’s efforts to implement reforms to give the bloc more global clout, even though he will be the only EU leader who has not ratified the treaty once the Polish president signs it today.

Klaus said the Czech government should follow the example of Britain and Poland, which won opt-outs on the application of some of the provisions of a Charter of Fundamental Rights which will be given binding force when the treaty is ratified.