Germany-Netherlands-Treaty
Netherlands became the 21st European Union member state to approve the Lisbon Reform Treaty, press reports said Tuesday.

Both houses of the Dutch Parliament ratified the EU Reform Treaty.

Only the Socialists and smaller Dutch opposition parties voted against the EU accord.

Dutch Prime Minister Jan-Peter Balkenende called the vote a good signal for Europe.

The Dutch nation had opposed a similar treaty during a referendum three years ago.

The future of the EU Reform Treaty does still remain in a state of limbo following the Irish 'no' vote in mid-June.

All 27 EU member states have to ratify the Lisbon Treaty for it to come into force.