Lisbon Treaty

Definition

The Lisbon Treaty is an international agreement that amends the treaties underlying the European Union, which came into force on December 1, 2009. It aimed to enhance the efficiency and democratic legitimacy of the EU, as well as to improve the coherence of its external actions. The treaty has played a pivotal role in shaping the UK's relationship with the EU, especially in terms of governance and decision-making processes within the union.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Lisbon Treaty introduced changes such as a permanent President of the European Council and a High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy to strengthen leadership within the EU.
2. It enhanced the role of the European Parliament, giving it equal legislative power with the Council of the European Union in many policy areas.
3. The treaty aimed to simplify EU decision-making processes by expanding Qualified Majority Voting, reducing the need for unanimous consent among member states.
4. The Lisbon Treaty also includes provisions for citizen initiatives, allowing EU citizens to propose legislation if supported by one million signatures from a significant number of member states.
5. While the treaty aimed at increasing transparency and accountability within the EU, it faced criticism in the UK regarding issues of sovereignty and the perceived loss of national control.

Review Questions

• How did the Lisbon Treaty alter the governance structure of the European Union, particularly regarding leadership roles?
  • The Lisbon Treaty brought significant changes to the governance structure of the EU by introducing a permanent President of the European Council and a High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy. These roles were designed to provide stable leadership and a more coherent foreign policy approach for the EU. This restructuring aimed to improve decision-making and representation within the union, impacting how member states, including the UK, interacted with EU policies and initiatives.
• In what ways did the Lisbon Treaty enhance the legislative powers of the European Parliament compared to previous treaties?
  • The Lisbon Treaty significantly enhanced the legislative powers of the European Parliament by granting it equal legislative authority with the Council of the European Union in numerous policy areas. This means that both institutions must agree on legislation for it to be enacted, which strengthened democratic legitimacy within the EU. As a result, this increased parliamentary power allowed for greater representation of citizens' interests across member states, including those from the UK, in shaping EU laws and policies.
• Evaluate how the Lisbon Treaty reflects broader themes in UK-EU relations concerning sovereignty and integration.
  • The Lisbon Treaty embodies complex themes in UK-EU relations, particularly regarding concerns over sovereignty and deeper integration. While it aimed to streamline decision-making processes and enhance cooperation among member states, critics in the UK viewed it as a step toward ceding national control to Brussels. This tension between wanting to participate in an integrated Europe while also retaining sovereign powers reflects ongoing debates about how closely tied or independent member states should be from EU governance structures. The treaty thus serves as a pivotal moment in understanding these dynamics within UK's evolving relationship with Europe.

Related terms

Treaty of Rome: The foundational treaty that established the European Economic Community (EEC) in 1957, which laid the groundwork for the EU.

Maastricht Treaty: An agreement signed in 1992 that created the European Union and introduced European citizenship, as well as deepened economic and political integration among member states.

Qualified Majority Voting: A voting system used in the EU whereby decisions can be made if a specified majority of member states vote in favor, which was expanded under the Lisbon Treaty.