Klaus expects some lawmakers to send Lisbon treaty back to Constitutional Court

Speaking after the verdict, the Czech president, Václav Klaus said he expected some lawmakers would send the document to the Constitutional Court again. Mr Klaus, a fierce critic of further European integration, described the court’s ruling as to a great extent political, and not purely legal. He also suggested the outcome had been decided before the session that concluded on Wednesday morning.

Earlier this week Mr Klaus indicated he would not sign the Treaty of Lisbon unless it was ratified by Ireland. The Irish voted no to the document in a referendum in June and it is unclear how the country will proceed. Without the ratification of all 27 members, Lisbon cannot come into effect.