Polish president Lech Kaczynski signed the European Union's reform treaty into law today, leaving the Czech Republic as the only country still to ratify the document.
The Lisbon Treaty is designed to streamline decision-making and give the 27-nation bloc a long-term president and a stronger foreign policy chief. It can only take effect when all member states have approved it.
"Only (Czech) President Vaclav Klaus' signature is missing. Europe eagerly awaits this to happen, Europe needs no more delays," said Swedish Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt, who attended the televised signing ceremony in Poland's presidential palace.
Klaus set out his terms on Friday for signing the treaty, demanding an exemption to protect Prague from post-war property claims and safeguard the sovereignty of the judiciary.
The Czech parliament has approved the document but the president must sign international treaties.
Poland and Britain have 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 Lisbon Treaty is ratified.
Asked if Klaus' objections were a threat to the treaty, EU foreign policy chief Javier Solana said: "No, this is not a threat to the treaty. I am sure the treaty will be ratified soon and that it will have all the elements inside to move on soon."
Reuters