LISBON TREATY PRIMER 30 SEPTEMBER 2009

WHAT IS IT? Purpose: “Enhance the efficiency and democratic legitimacy of the Union” while “increasing coherency of action.” Main Points –New President of the European Council –New Chief EU Diplomat High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy –Simplified Voting Rules –Revamped European Commission –Increased Parliamentary Powers –New Solidarity Clause –Steps toward building a Common Defense Policy

BACKGROUND Treaty of Maastricht (1992) Treaty of Amsterdam (1997) Treaty of Nice (2001) The Constitutional Treaty (2005) Treaty of Lisbon (2007) 2008 –February: France –March: MPs vote –June: Ireland

PROS AND CONS PROs: Closer Union –“One voice on key issues –Streamline decision making –Strengthen democracy CONs: Closer Union –European “super state” erodes sovereignty on key issues –Weaken democracy by shifting power to “Eurocrats” PRO or CON? –Greater European identity –EU as “great power” to rival US

OUTLOOK AND IMPLICATIONS Outlook –Irish Referendum: 2 Oct 2009 –Czech legal challenge –Polish approval contingent on Irish “Yes” –British election NLT June 2010 Implications – No “Plan B” –Marginalize EU in world affairs? –Continued US frustration with EU inaction? –Prevent further enlargement? –Negative economic consequences? –Two-tier Europe –Enhance power of Russia