Austria ratifies Lisbon Treaty

VIENNA, April 10 (UPI) -- Austria's parliament has ratified the Lisbon Treaty, designed to streamline the functioning of the European Union.

The treaty was adopted, 151-27, after eight hours of debate, EuroNews.net reported.

It has been endorsed so far by Hungary, Poland, Malta, Slovenia, Romania, Bulgaria and France. Only Ireland has plans to hold a referendum.

The treaty would come into effect next year if passed by all 27 EU member states. Ratification could have problems in Slovakia, however, because of a political row over a new media bill.