What is it?The Treaty of Lisbon entered into force on 1 December 2009 and was ratified by each of the European Union's 27 members.
It modified the Treaty of European Union and the Treaty establishing the European Community. |
What is its purpose?• It modified how EU institutions operate and decisions are made to enhance democracy
• It reformed the EU’s internal and external policies |
KEY POINTS
1. A treaty not a constitution
The new "reform treaty" complemented and amended its predecessors, without replacing them. It followed a previous (failed) attempt to write a proper constitution.
2. New rights for EU citizens
The Treaty makes the EU's Charter of Fundamental Rights binding, though Britain (no longer a member) and Poland have obtained opt-outs, and the Czechs appear likely to have the same guarantee. A million European citizens are now able to "invite" the European Commission to submit a legislative proposal in a given area.
3. New policies
The Treaty introduced new objectives such as a common energy policy and strategy on fighting global warming.
As regards trade policy, fair competition becomame a requirement to assure the proper functioning on the internal market.
As regards security matters, a "solidarity" clause was introduced in the case of terrorist attacks.
As regards trade policy, fair competition becomame a requirement to assure the proper functioning on the internal market.
As regards security matters, a "solidarity" clause was introduced in the case of terrorist attacks.
4. Institutions and posts
In place of the rotating presidency, under which member states spend six months at the helm, a president of the European Council (which comprises the 27 member nations) is now elected by the leaders to a two-and-a-half-year term.
The president prepares summits and represents the EU on the world stage without, it is hoped, treading on the toes of a new "High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy".
This foreign policy post combines the roles of the current EU High Representative for the Common Foreign and Security Policy and the Commissioner for External Relations.
Starting 2014, the commission cut the number of policy commissioners in order to increase efficiency.
The treaty also increased the number of policy areas where elected members of the European Parliament have to approve EU legislation, along with the member states, particularly in the sensitive areas of justice, security and immigration.
National parliaments were given a voice in EU lawmaking for the first time. Each one of them receives proposals for new EU legislation directly to judge whether a proposal impinges on its competencies.
The president prepares summits and represents the EU on the world stage without, it is hoped, treading on the toes of a new "High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy".
This foreign policy post combines the roles of the current EU High Representative for the Common Foreign and Security Policy and the Commissioner for External Relations.
Starting 2014, the commission cut the number of policy commissioners in order to increase efficiency.
The treaty also increased the number of policy areas where elected members of the European Parliament have to approve EU legislation, along with the member states, particularly in the sensitive areas of justice, security and immigration.
National parliaments were given a voice in EU lawmaking for the first time. Each one of them receives proposals for new EU legislation directly to judge whether a proposal impinges on its competencies.
5. Voting systems
The areas of decision-making which can be approved through majority voting, rather than unanimity, has been increased, largely in justice and police affairs.
Britain (no longer a member) and Ireland have secured the power to apply decisions in these areas as they wish, but may not hold back their EU partners.
The treaty also introduced a new voting system. Under the new "double majority" qualified voting system, a minimum of 55 percent of member states representing at least 65 percent of the EU's population must vote in favour of new legislation for it to be passed.
Britain (no longer a member) and Ireland have secured the power to apply decisions in these areas as they wish, but may not hold back their EU partners.
The treaty also introduced a new voting system. Under the new "double majority" qualified voting system, a minimum of 55 percent of member states representing at least 65 percent of the EU's population must vote in favour of new legislation for it to be passed.
6. Get-out clause
The treaty introduced the possibility for a country to leave the European Union under conditions to be negotiated with its partners. This detail allowed Britain to start negotiations to leave the Union and eventually led to its recession on January 31, 2020.
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Sources of contents:
www.europarl.europa.eu/factsheets/en/sheet/5/the-treaty-of-lisbon
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Treaty_of_Lisbon
www.europarl.europa.eu/factsheets/en/sheet/5/the-treaty-of-lisbon
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Treaty_of_Lisbon
Image attribution:
live.staticflickr.com/2506/3883129895_ee2b042752.jpg
live.staticflickr.com/2506/3883129895_ee2b042752.jpg
Selection and design by:
Anna Burlo e Sofia Lorenzi (Liceo Classico e Linguistico "F. Petrarca", Trieste, Italy, 2020)
Anna Burlo e Sofia Lorenzi (Liceo Classico e Linguistico "F. Petrarca", Trieste, Italy, 2020)