The highest court in Germany ruled that the EU’s Treaty of Lisbon is compatible with German law – then promptly suspended the process to ratify it.

The court said new domestic legislation is needed to protect the power of the German parliament. The Treaty of Lisbon was drawn up to streamline the institutions of the EU. Critics say it gives too much power to Brussels. The German parliament, the Bundestag, has already given its approval, but the Treaty still has to be signed by the President. Today’s court statement said Germany’s ratification document may not be adopted until there’s sufficient legal groundwork for parliamentary participation. Most of the 27 countries have ratified the Treaty. Eurosceptic presidents of the Czech Republic and Poland are waiting for the outcome of the Irish referendum before they sign.More about: Germany, Treaty of Lisbon

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