1. Define the following as used in the article:
-referendum (para. 3)
-ratify (ratification para. 4, ratified para. 6)
-parliament (para. 4)
-Eurosceptic (para. 15)

2. a) Who is blocking formal ratification of the Lisbon Treaty by refusing to sign it?
b) Why is he refusing to sign it despite its ratification by both houses of his country's parliament?

3. How many of the EU member states must ratify the Lisbon Treaty and then submit an instrument of ratification signed by each country's head of state for it to take effect?

4. Why is the EU eager to have the Lisbon Treaty's ratification finalized?

5. What is expected to be the outcome of ratification of the Lisbon Treaty?

6. Only one of the 27 member states (Ireland) permitted its citizens to vote on whether or not to approve the Lisbon Treaty. The others were approved by the parliaments/governments of each country.
a) Do you think each state should have approved the Lisbon Treaty by referendum? Explain your answer.
b) Ask a parent the same question.