Poland deals new blow to French EU presidency

Polish President Lech Kaczynski compounded the problems facing the European Union on the first day of France's presidency of the bloc yesterday, saying he will not sign the Union's reform treaty for now.

Kaczynski said it would be "pointless" signing the treaty following its rejection by Irish voters in a referendum on June 12. The treaty, intended to overhaul the bloc's institutions, needs the backing of all 27 member states to come into force.

Kaczynski, a Euroskeptic, helped negotiate the treaty but his party is now in opposition. Prime Minister Donald Tusk said ratification of the Lisbon Treaty was in Poland's interest.