The Treaty of Lisbon: A Key Moment in EU History

The Treaty of Lisbon, which came into force on December 1, 2009, marked a significant milestone in the evolution of the European Union (EU). This treaty amended the Maastricht Treaty (also known as the Treaty on European Union) and the Treaty of Rome (Treaty establishing the European Community), which are the foundational treaties of the EU. The Treaty of Lisbon aimed to enhance the efficiency and democratic legitimacy of the Union and to improve the coherence of its actions.

Background

The Treaty of Lisbon was born out of the need to reform the EU’s institutional structure following its enlargement. The EU had expanded significantly, with 12 new member states joining between 2004 and 2007, which necessitated a more streamlined and effective governance framework. The treaty was a response to the failure of the European Constitution, which was rejected by referendums in France and the Netherlands in 2005.

Key Provisions

1. Institutional Changes:

   • The treaty created the position of President of the European Council, a role designed to provide more continuity and coherence in the EU’s leadership.
   • It established the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy to enhance the EU’s external action.

2. Decision-Making:

   • The treaty extended the use of qualified majority voting in the Council of the European Union, reducing the need for unanimous decisions and thus speeding up the legislative process.
   • It increased the powers of the European Parliament, giving it greater influence over legislation and the EU budget.

3. Legal Personality:

   • The EU was granted a single legal personality, allowing it to sign international treaties and join international organizations.

4. Charter of Fundamental Rights:

   • The treaty gave the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union the same legal status as the treaties, reinforcing the protection of human rights within the EU.

5. Subsidiarity and National Parliaments:

   • It enhanced the role of national parliaments in the EU legislative process, allowing them to ensure that decisions are made as closely as possible to the citizens.

Significance and Aftermath

The Treaty of Lisbon was a crucial step in addressing the challenges posed by an enlarged EU. It aimed to make the Union more democratic, transparent, and efficient. By strengthening the roles of the European Parliament and national parliaments, it sought to bridge the gap between EU institutions and citizens.

The treaty also laid the groundwork for a more coherent foreign policy, enabling the EU to act more effectively on the global stage. However, it also faced criticism for being complex and difficult for citizens to understand, and for not fully addressing the democratic deficit within the EU.

Overall, the Treaty of Lisbon represents a significant evolution in the EU’s constitutional framework, reflecting the Union’s ongoing adaptation to new challenges and its commitment to closer integration among its member states.