A LIGHT ON LISBON

The Treaty at a Glance

• Came into force 1 December 2009

• Modernises and reforms the EU

• Three main changes:– Amends treaties– Changes to institutional

architecture– Revises rules on

decision-making

Changes for European Parliament

• Increased powers in law-making

• Control of EU budget

• Greater say on who runs the EU

Implications for the EU as a whole

• More democratic and transparent Europe • More efficient and effective Europe

• Europe of rights and values

• Europe as an actor on the global stage

A more democratic and transparent Europe

• Strengthened role of European Parliament and National Parliaments

• Increased transparency• European Citizens’

Initiative• Withdrawal from the

Union

A more efficient and effective Europe

• Streamlined institutional framework

• Efficient decision-making

• Expansion of competencies to ensure area of freedom, security and justice

A Europe of rights and values

• Reinforces core values of EU

• Makes fundamental rights legally binding

• Preserves ‘four freedoms’

Europe as an actor on the global stage• High Representative for

Common Foreign and Security Policy

• Single legal personality for international agreements

• Progresses European security and defence policy

• Legal basis for humanitarian aid

The Treaty of Lisbon -Taking Europe into the 21st Century