Apr 08
1
The Lisbon Treaty… an overview
The European Reform Treaty will make Europe work more efficiently and effectively, by speeding up decision making in Brussels and giving the citizens of Europe a greater say.
This is crucial now that there are 27 member states, which is 12 more than there were five years ago. It will also make Europe more democratic by strengthening the role of Dáil Éireann and the European Parliament, both of which are elected directly by the Irish people. The Treaty also aims to enhance the role of Europe on the world stage, giving European States a greater say in world affairs, for example in the United Nations and the WTO negotiations.
In short this is what the Treaty does:
* Makes the Charter of Fundamental Rights part of the EU law
* Simplifies the way the Union works and helps it to function better.
* Improves the voting system under which future EU decisions will be taken
* Agrees a system of equal rotation among Member States for future appointments to the EU Commission
* Gives a greater role to the National Parliaments in influencing European legislation
* Gives more responsibility to the directly-elected European Parliament in agreeing EU legislation
* Makes provision for EU action to combat climate control change, one of the major global challenges of the 21st century
* Makes decision-making easier in relation to the fight against organized crime, terrorism and the trafficking of women and children
* Gives the Union greater capacity to prevent and resolve conflicts in other parts of the world
* Continues to ensure that Ireland is not part of a military alliance.
If your wish to discuss the Treaty further or would like more information please feel free to contact either:
Colm Burke MEP, Simon Coveney TD,
Euro South Constituency, Dir. Of Treaty Election for FG
20 Washington Street, 6A Anglesea Street
021-4271531 021-4313100
