Parliament is expected to discuss a resolution presented by Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi for the ratification of the Lisbon Treaty, which EU member states signed on 13 December.

Originally called the Reform Treaty, the Lisbon Treaty was drawn up to replace the draft European constitution after that was thrown out by voters in France and the Netherlands in 2005.

All 27 EU countries will be expected to ratify the Treaty in 2008 with a view to it coming into force in 2009.

The resolution is expected to be discussed during a meeting of the Foreign and European Affairs Permanent Committee on Monday and during a plenary session at a later stage, in all probability before the legislature comes to an end.

The treaty contains many of the changes the constitution attempted to introduce.

For example, a politician chosen to be president of the European Council for two-and-a-half years, replacing the current system where countries take turns at being president for six months.

The treaty also proposes a smaller European Commission, with fewer commissioners than there are member states, from 2014.

It would also give new powers for the European Commission, European Parliament and European Court of Justice, for example in the field of justice and home affairs.

Apart from calling on Parliament to ratify the Lisbon Treaty, the resolution also calls on the House to authorise Prime Minister Gonzi to issue an order for the treaty to be considered to be one and the same with Malta’s Adhesion Treaty to the EU.

Together with this resolution, Prime Minister Gonzi also presented a legal notice that would enable the Lisbon Treaty to form part of the country’s legislation after it is ratified by the House of Representatives.