The Lisbon Treaty is a fundamental agreement that has modified the institutional framework of the European Union (EU). Signed on December 13, 2007 and coming into force on December 1, 2009, this treaty has brought significant changes to the way the EU operates and is governed. It replaced the European Constitution, which had failed to be ratified, and amended the existing treaties, notably the Treaty on European Union (TEU) and the Treaty establishing the European Community (TEC), renamed the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU).
One of the main aims of the Lisbon Treaty was to simplify and streamline decision-making processes within the EU, notably by extending qualified majority voting to several policy areas. This was designed to make the EU more responsive and efficient, especially given its enlargement to 27 members at the time.
The Treaty also introduced the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union, which lists the civil, political and social rights of European citizens. It also introduced the European Citizens’ Initiative, enabling one million EU citizens to ask the European Commission to propose legislation on a given subject.
The Lisbon Treaty strengthened the EU’s role on the international stage by creating the post of High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy. This position aims to give the EU a more coherent and unified voice in international relations.
Although the treaty has been hailed for modernizing the EU’s institutions, it has also been the subject of criticism. Some believe it has shifted power away from citizens and member states towards a centralized bureaucracy. Others point out that the treaty has not sufficiently addressed issues such as participatory democracy and transparency.
In short, the Lisbon Treaty was a major step in the evolution of the European Union, with lasting impacts on its structure and functioning. It continues to be a key element in discussions on the future of the EU, particularly with regard to challenges such as Brexit, the migration crisis and questions of sovereignty.
Irish opinion on the Lisbon Treaty has been a complex subject, marked by public debates and referendums. Ireland is one of the few European Union countries where ratification of such a treaty requires a popular referendum. In the first referendum in 2008, the Irish rejected the Lisbon Treaty, with around 53% of voters saying “no”. The reasons for this rejection were varied, ranging from concerns about the loss of national sovereignty to misunderstandings or concerns about specific aspects of the treaty, such as Ireland’s military neutrality and tax issues.
Faced with this rejection, the Irish government negotiated guarantees with the EU on sensitive issues such as neutrality, taxation and certain social rights. A second referendum was held in 2009, and this time the treaty was approved with around 67% of votes in favor.
The Irish experience with the Lisbon Treaty illustrates the nuanced relationship between Ireland and the EU. On the one hand, there is strong support for EU membership, which has helped the Irish economy to grow and provided opportunities for citizens. On the other hand, there are legitimate concerns about the impact of decisions taken at EU level on national sovereignty and local specificities.
Since ratification, the Lisbon Treaty seems to have been widely accepted by the Irish population, especially considering the positive role the EU has played in issues such as the Northern Ireland peace process and the management of the economic crisis. However, as in many EU countries, there is still debate about how best to reconcile the benefits of European integration with the maintenance of national identity and independence.
3.25/5 (4 votes)
