New EU Reform Treaty gives people a greater say
A new EU Reform Treaty was signed by leaders from each of the 27 member countries in Lisbon during the European Council of December 13- 14.
The new legal framework has been designed to modernise and reform the EU in line with the 21st century challenges.
The new treaty’s benefits will include:
More democracy and openness – if a million Europeans from several countries group together, they can call on the commission to make new policy proposals (‘citizens’ initiative’).
More efficiency – decision making will be based on a double majority system from 2014 (meaning that a vote can only be carried by 55% of member countries, who must represent at least 65% of the EU’s population). The EU will be able to act more swiftly in matters of law and order, rooting out cross-border criminal activities.
More rights – the recently signed charter of fundamental rights, which now has the same legal status as the EU treaties themselves, will safeguard basic human rights.
More international clout – the EU will have a single legal personality, strengthening its negotiating position.
Europe’s leaders have reached agreement. Now the national authorities must decide how the Reform Treaty will be ratified – whether it will be voted on by the people or by their representatives. Either way, the hope is that the new Reform Treaty will be in force by the next European elections in June 2009. The first ratification came from Hungarian Parliament on December 17.
Last update: 24.12.2007