Foreign Minister Tonio Borg has welcomed approval of the EU's Lisbon Treaty by a large majority of the Swedish Parliament yesterday.

"The Swedish vote is a highly positive signal in the run-up to the European Council in December, on which occasion a common way forward needs to be defined to enable the reform process to be completed, not least in light of the delicate international economic situation.

"Continued progress along the path of integration is essential to enable Europe both to operate effectively and cohesively on the international stage, thanks to the renewed impetus given to its institutions, and to provide incisive and authoritative responses to the expectations of the citizens of the Union," Dr Borg said in a statement.

The treaty was unanimously approved by the Maltese Parliament earlier this year.