Sep 09
8
The Lisbon Treaty
Given the huge amount of confusion and misinformation that is currently available on the Lisbon treaty, I’ve decided to publish a number of posts over the coming days and weeks to inform people on the referendum.
I will be voting YES on October 2nd, but if you have any questions or queries on the treaty, don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Information and Q&A on Lisbon Treaty
What are the main features of the Lisbon treaty?
Values
1. sets out the Union’s values – including respect for human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, the rule of law and respect for human rights including the rights of minorities.
Competences
2. defines the EU’s competences more clearly than in previous Treaties and makes it clear that competences not explicitly conferred on the Union remain with the Member States.
Fundamental Rights
3. gives legal effect to the Charter of Fundamental Rights and recognises the rights, freedoms and principles set out in the Charter;
4. will allow the EU to accede to the European Convention on Human Rights.
Democracy – citizens’ initiative / greater role for Oireachtas
5. allows for a citizens’ initiative under which 1 million citizens from a number of Member States can petition the European Commission on issues falling within the EU’s competence;
6. expands the right of individuals to bring proceedings before the European Court of Justice in relation to acts of the Union;
7. gives a new role in EU affairs to national parliaments, including the Oireachtas.
8. increases the powers of the European Parliament, which under Lisbon will in due course have 751 members including 12 from Ireland. Under Lisbon, the European Parliament will legislate jointly on most EU issues with the Council of Ministers, where the Irish Government is represented alongside the governments of the other 26 EU Member States;
9. gives citizens the right to deal with the EU institutions in any EU language including Irish.
President of the European Council
10. provides for the appointment of a President of the European Council who will hold office for a maximum period of 5 years and will usually chair four meetings of EU leaders each year.
Simplified decision-making
11. allows for more decisions to be taken by the Council of Ministers on a new double majority basis, i.e. 55% of Member States (that is at least 15 EU countries) representing at least 65% of the Union’s population. Under this system each Member State has one vote in the Council and population is also taken into account.
High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy
12. makes changes in the conduct of the Union’s external relations including by the appointment of a High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy. The High Representative for Foreign Affairs will also be the European Commissioner for External Relations, thus combining in one role what were previously two positions. This will ensure greater coherence in the EU’s aid, development and foreign policies.
New competences – energy, climate change, tourism, sport, humanitarian aid…
13. gives the European Union some new competences in such areas as climate change, energy, humanitarian aid, tourism, sport, administrative cooperation and the participation by young people in the democratic life of Europe.
Extension of areas where enhanced cooperation may apply
14. Under an arrangement known as ‘enhanced cooperation’, the Treaty extends the number of areas where a group of Member States may cooperate more deeply in certain areas of EU policy. This arrangement does not apply in the field of common foreign and security policy.
Justice and Home Affairs
15. makes a number of changes to the EU Treaties in respect of border checks, asylum and immigration, judicial cooperation in civil and criminal matters and police cooperation. Ireland is not bound by measures adopted in these areas, but can opt to be involved on a case-by-case basis.
