The new European treaty was signed on 13 December 2007 by the Heads of State or Government of the 27 Member States in the Portuguese capital. "The idea that motivates us in this ceremony for the signature is quite simple: to advance the European project," declared José Sócrates, the Prime Minister of Portugal and President of the European Council. "It is a Treaty for the construction of a more modern, efficient and democratic Europe," stressed Mr Sócrates.
If the Lisbon Treaty is ratified in all the Member States, it will mark the end of a period of uncertainty about the future of the European institutions in the expanded Union. It will also provide the stimulus for renewed European dynamism.
The new Treaty provides for a number of significant institutional changes, such as the election by the European Council of its President for a term of two and a half years, renewable once. The Lisbon Treaty increases the European Union's resources to play its role in the world. With that Treaty, Europe accepts its responsibility to promote peace, respect for international law and human rights, sustainable development, fair trade, and an end to poverty.
The Treaty lays out a more dynamic and consistent foreign and security policy for the European Union. The appointment of a High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy with increased prerogatives, and the greater possibility of defence cooperation, are signs of progress. The Lisbon Treaty is a solid foundation for the EU as a responsible international player for peace and security. The High Representative will be able to inspire greater solidarity in the Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP) and the European Security and Defence Policy (ESDP ).
If the EU succeeds in this institutional relaunch, it will be able to focus more calmly on the policies it wants to pursue on the basis of its renewed objectives. Europe is today facing real challenges, which the Member States are not able to tackle on their own. Climate change and other environmental problems, energy security and energy supply, immigration and trafficking in human beings, are all subjects which require decisive action by the European Union.
The Lisbon Treaty is a step towards more effective and democratic European institutions, leading to greater legitimacy in decision-making.
Author: Consilium
