Treaty Of Lisbon
Treaty of Lisbon
The Treaty of Lisbon, signed on December 13, 2007, and entered into force on December 1, 2009, is a foundational reform treaty that amended the two primary treaties which form the constitutional basis of the European Union (EU). Its adoption was aimed at enhancing the efficiency and democratic legitimacy of the Union and to improve coherence in its external actions.
Background and Purpose
The Treaty of Lisbon was created in response to the institutional needs of an expanding EU, following the failure of the Constitutional Treaty which was rejected by referenda in France and the Netherlands in 2005. The main goals of the Treaty of Lisbon were to streamline EU institutions, enhance decision-making processes, and provide a clear legal personality to the EU.
Key Provisions
Institutional Changes
The Treaty of Lisbon introduced significant amendments to the Treaty on European Union (TEU) and the Treaty Establishing the European Community (TEC), renamed as the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU). Key changes include:
- Creation of the President of the European Council: The Treaty established a permanent position for the President of the European Council, serving a two-and-a-half-year term, to ensure continuity and coherence in the EU’s operations.
- High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy: The office was strengthened to give the EU a more united and influential voice on the global stage.
Legal Personality
Under the Treaty of Lisbon, the EU obtained a single legal personality, allowing it to sign international agreements and join international organizations. This was a significant step in empowering the EU on the world stage.
Decision-Making and Voting
The Treaty modified voting rules in the Council of the European Union, extending the use of qualified majority voting to further policy areas, reducing the ability of a single member state to veto decisions.
Enhanced Role of the European Parliament
The Treaty strengthened the European Parliament by extending its legislative and budgetary powers, establishing it as an equal co-legislator with the Council in the majority of policy areas. The Parliament’s role was also enhanced in the approval process of international agreements.
Charter of Fundamental Rights
The Treaty facilitated the incorporation of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union into EU law, though it is not directly enforceable in the UK and Poland due to specific protocols.
Ratification
Ratification of the Treaty of Lisbon required approval by all EU member states. This process encountered challenges, notably in Ireland, where a first referendum rejected the Treaty in 2008, but a second one held in 2009 (following various assurances and clarifications) saw its passage.
Impact on the EU
The Treaty of Lisbon marked a milestone in the history of European integration. It facilitated smoother governance within an expanding and increasingly diverse EU, reinforced the European Parliament, and improved the EU’s ability to act cohesively on the international stage.