Speaking at a meeting in University College, he said the treaty contains the tools to tackle climate change on a global scale.

The treaty is the subject of a June 12th referendum in Ireland and Mr Barroso believes it is vital that students turn out to vote on the issue.

In 2001, a low turnout in Ireland resulted in the rejection of the Nice Treaty.

“A large majority of Europeans see climate change as a major threat. They are right, and that is why Europe is taking action,” he stated.

“Together, we have the critical mass to be the global leaders, showing others that you can have clean, smart economic growth which does not damage our planet.”

Ireland is the only EU member state that is holding a referendum on the treaty.

Last Thursday, Mr Barroso met the outgoing Irish prime minister Bertie Ahern and finance minister Brian Cowen, who will become the new premier in May.

More information on the Lisbon Treaty can be found here.

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