The European Union and the Treaty of Lisabon Cover Image

Европейския съюз и Лисабонския договор
The European Union and the Treaty of Lisabon

Author(s): Anton Chinkov
Subject(s): Politics / Political Sciences, Social Sciences, Education, Law, Constitution, Jurisprudence, Public Law, Higher Education , EU-Legislation
Published by: Нов български университет
Keywords: Europian Union; Treaty of Lisabon

Summary/Abstract: Today, more than ever, in a constantly changing globalized world, Europe faces new challenges. Globalization of the economy, demographic change, climate change, energy supply, and new security threats are the challenges that 21st century Europe has to face. Member States are no longer able to do so because of the cross-border nature of these problems. A collective effort on a European scale will allow us to meet them and respond to the concerns of the citizens. However, Europe needs to be modernized to respond to these challenges. It must have efficient and appropriate means adapted not only to the functioning of the recently enlarged Union of 15 to 27 Member States, but also to rapid changes in the world. Therefore, the rules for joint life in contracts need to be renewed. This is the goal of the treaty signed on 13 October 2007 in Lisbon. The Treaty of Lisbon is the result of negotiations between member states of an intergovernmental conference. The European Commission and Parliament participated in the work of the Intergovernmental Conference. In order for it to enter into force, each of the 27 Member States must ratify this treaty. Member States will choose the mode of ratification according to their constitutional rules. One of the things that particularly affect us as citizens of the Union is the enlarged role of the European Parliament under the Lisbon Treaty. This is the only EU institution for which we directly elect our representatives. The Treaty of Lisbon amends current EU and EC Treaties without replacing them. It will give the Union the legal framework and tools needed to meet future challenges and respond to citizens' demands. Its benefits will be numerous: the new treaty will ensure that European citizens have a say in European affairs and will ensure the presentation of their fundamental rights in the Charter. The EU will be better equipped to meet the expectations of energy, climate change, cross-border crime and immigration. In addition, the Union will be able to speak with one voice on the international scene.

  • Issue Year: 2011
  • Issue No: 1
  • Page Range: 4-21
  • Page Count: 18
  • Language: Bulgarian