The Treaty of Lisbon 

The Treaty of Lisbon came into force on the 1^st December 2009 and amended the current EU and EC Treaties. The Treaty provides the tools and methods needed for the European Union to develop and grow in the future and continue to meet the demands of citizens.

Changes brought in by the Lisbon Treaty:

• A more democratic and transparent Europe

This involves a stronger role for the European Parliament, more involvement of national parliaments and for the first time in the history of the Union a clause for withdrawal from the Union.

• A more efficient Europe

The Lisbon treaty will lead to the simplification of decision making and other rule-making procedures. Qualified majority voting in the council will be extended to more policy areas making policy making more efficient. European Union competence will be extended to new issues affecting European citizens such as climate action, civil protection and space.    

• A Europe of rights and values, freedom, solidarity and security

The Treaty reinforces the importance of democracy, citizen’s rights and the Charter of Fundamental rights in regards to both EU citizens and third countries. 

• Europe as an actor on the global stage

The Treaty provides for the new positions of the High Representative for the Union in Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and the President of the European Council.  who will manage the EU’s external affairs. In November 2009 little known Baroness Cathy Ashton was appointed as the High Representative for the Union in Foreign Affairs and Security Policy or  the EU's "foreign minister" as the media like to call it (Timesonline.co.uk, Novemeber 2009). Baroness Ashton will be responsibility for overseeing the EU's external affairs and will supported by the newly formed European External Action Service. Herman Van Rompuy has been selected to be the President of the European Council which will enhance visibility of the EU. To compliment these two new positions the EU will recognised  as a single legal personality.

• Abolition of the Three pillar structure

Like the constitution, Lisbon disposes of the pillar structure although there still remains a distinction between the JHA and CFSP.  

Useful links

Full text of the Lisbon Treaty: http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=OJ:C:2010:083:0013:0046:EN:PDF

BBC question and answer article on the Lisbon Treaty: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/6901353.stm 

Bibliography

J Steiner, EU law (10^th Edition, OUP, Oxford 2009). 

 Europa.The Treaty at a Glace. Available At: http://europa.eu/lisbon_treaty/glance/index_en.htm.

Broin,P.(2009).Lisbon Treaty enters into force: A brave new Europe is born?. Available At: http://www.iiea.com/blogosphere/lisbon-treaty-enters-into-force-a-brave-new-europe-is-born?gclid=CNmkwIzetaECFVKX2AodCR6FDg.