The European Union's Lisbon Treaty comes into force from Tuesday following its ratification by all the bloc's 27 member states. It overcame its final hurdle when the Czech Republic became the last of the member states to ratify it earlier this month. The treaty is designed to streamline decision-making and give the EU greater influence in world affairs. It creates two new posts – president of the European Council and a high representative for foreign affairs. Celebrations are planned in the Portuguese capital later today with fireworks, music and speeches from EU leaders. The treaty comes into force almost exactly eight years since it was first conceived.