The Finnish parliament Wednesday approved the European Union reform treaty with a clear majority, according to dpa. The 200-seat parliament approved the Lisbon Treaty by a 151-27 vote, while 21 members were absent. The Finnish vote was held the day before a referendum is due in Ireland on the treaty. Finnish President Tarja Halonen must sign the treaty within three months for it to be ratified. Finland joined the EU in 1995.
