(Angus Reid Global Monitor) - Fewer people in Poland want the president to ratify the Lisbon Treaty—although they still represent the majority—according to a poll by CBOS. 52 per cent of respondents say the country should sign the proposed accord for members of the European Union (EU), down 13 points since April.

EU heads of state officially signed the European Constitution on Oct. 29, 2004. The project for a continental body of law was practically abandoned in 2005, after voters in France and the Netherlands rejected the proposed document in two plebiscites.

In October 2007, leaders of the 27 EU member nations reached an agreement on the Lisbon Treaty and Charter of Fundamental Rights. The Lisbon Treaty provisions call for the creation of new posts, such as a foreign policy chief, and a High Representative who will answer to EU governments and serve as vice-president of the European Commission. The Charter will become legally binding in all EU member states except Britain, which negotiated an exemption.

The EU leaders would also choose a president of the European Council for a two and a half year renewable term. This will effectively eliminate the current six-month rotating presidency among member nations. The Lisbon Treaty also provides for the creation of a mutual defence clause, in case one of the member states is attacked.

If all countries ratify the treaty—whether through a referendum or a parliamentary vote—it will become effective in January 2009. Ireland, due to its internal regulations, is the only country that must hold a nationwide vote on the Lisbon Treaty, while other governments can decide whether they want to do the same.

On Jun. 12, 53.4 per cent of Irish voters rejected the adoption of the Lisbon Treaty.

Poland has been a member of the EU since 2004. In April, both the lower house Diet and the upper house Senate approved a government bill authorizing the head of state to ratify the Lisbon Treaty. Polish president Lech Kaczynski—who opposes the accord—committed last year to signing it on behalf of Poland.

On Jul. 2, Kaczynski decided to put the ratification of the Lisbon Treaty on hold until the EU decides what to do about Ireland’s negative vote, declaring, "For the time being, the question of the treaty is pointless."

Polling Data

Should the president ratify the Lisbon Treaty?

Source: CBOS
Methodology: Interviews with 1,094 Polish adults, conducted from Jul. 4 to Jul. 7, 2008. Margin of error is 4 per cent.

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