The Lisbon Treaty, officially known as the Treaty of Lisbon, revolutionized regulations within the European Union (EU). By establishing centralized leadership, redefined foreign policy, a clear departure process for member countries, and streamlined policy enactment procedures, this treaty marked a significant shift for the EU.
The treaty was signed on December 13, 2007, in Lisbon, Portugal, and it amended prior foundational treaties. By December 2009, it had taken full effect, setting the stage for a more cohesive and unified Europe.
Key Highlights:
- Centralized Leadership & Foreign Policy: The Lisbon Treaty brought more centralized leadership and a stronger unified foreign policy to the EU.
- Clear Departure Process: It provided a defined legal pathway for countries wishing to exit the EU.
- Streamlined Processes: New policies could be enacted with greater ease and efficiency.
Understanding the Lisbon Treaty
Context Before the Lisbon Treaty
The Lisbon Treaty was signed by the 27 member states of the EU, effectively operational in December 2009. It significantly amended two primary treaties:
- Treaty of Rome: Signed in 1957, it created the European Economic Community (EEC), lowered customs duties between member nations, established a single market for goods, and devised common transport policies. Remarkably, it became known as the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU).
- Maastricht Treaty: Signed in 1992, this treaty laid the foundations for the EU by establishing its three pillars and ushering in the euro, the common currency. It is also known as the Treaty on European Union (TEU).
Though these treaties set the initial rules and foundational tenets for the EU, the Lisbon Treaty took a step further by establishing new Union-wide roles and precise legal protocols.
Notable Changes Introduced by the Lisbon Treaty
The Lisbon Treaty integrated new rules to foster cohesion and expedite action within the EU. Key articles include:</n
- Article 18: Set a procedure to elect a High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy. This representative, elected by a majority vote, directs the Union’s foreign and security affairs.
- Article 21: Outlined global diplomatic principles rooted in human rights, democracy, and development for the EU. The Union pledged to ally with nations sharing these principles and extend support to developing nations.
- Article 50: Formulated the official process for a member country to exit the European Union.
The Lisbon Treaty replaced the initially rejected Constitutional Treaty, which had proposed forming a Union constitution. Disagreements over the voting procedures within the constitution, where countries like Spain and Poland would lose voting sway, were settled by promoting weighted votes and broadening qualified majority voting’s scope.
Perspectives on the Lisbon Treaty
Supporters advocated that it promoted greater accountability by enhancing checks and balances and empowering the European Parliament, which plays a critical role in EU legislation.
Critics contended that the treaty shifted power towards the center, thus marginalizing smaller countries’ interests.
Related Terms: Treaty of Rome, Maastricht Treaty, European Union, Article 50, High Representative of the Union.
