Gateway to the European Union

Basic information Countries Institutions and bodies History Taking Europe into the 21st Century

Basic Information
The European Union is a unique economic and political partnership between 27 European countries. It has delivered half a century of peace, stability, and prosperity, helped raise living standards, launched a single European currency, and is progressively building a single Europe-wide market in which people, goods, services, and capital move among Member States as freely as within one country. The EU was created in the aftermath of the Second World War. The first steps were to foster economic cooperation: countries that trade with one another are economically interdependent and will thus avoid conflict. Since then, the union has developed into a huge single market with the euro as its common currency. What began as a purely economic union has evolved into an organisation spanning all areas, from development aid to environmental policy.

The EU actively promotes human rights and democracy and has the most ambitious emission reduction targets for fighting climate change in the world. Thanks to the abolition of border controls between EU countries, it is now possible for people to travel freely within most of the EU. It has also become much easier to live and work in another EU country.

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EU Symbols

The EU is recognisable by several symbols, the most well-known being the circle of yellow stars on a blue background. This site introduces other symbols such as the European anthem and motto. The European flag The 12 stars in a circle symbolise the ideals of unity, solidarity and harmony among the peoples of Europe. The European anthem The melody used to symbolise the EU comes from the Ninth Symphony composed in 1823 by Ludwig Van Beethoven. Europe Day The ideas behind the European Union were first put forward on 9 May 1950 by French foreign minister Robert Schuman. This is why 9 May is celebrated as a key date for the EU. The EU motto "United in diversity" is the motto of the European Union. It signifies how Europeans have come together, in the form of the EU, to work for peace and prosperity, while at the same time being enriched by the continent's many different cultures, traditions and languages.

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Money and the EU

The EU budget is funded from sources including a percentage of each member country's gross national product. It is spent on efforts as diverse as raising the standard of living in poorer regions and ensuring food safety. The euro is the common currency of most EU countries. Revenue/income The EU obtains revenue not only from contributions from member countries but also from import duties on products from outside the EU and a percentage of the value-added tax levied by each country. Expenditure The EU budget pays for a vast array of activities from rural development and environmental protection to protection of external borders and promotion of human rights. The Commission, Council and Parliament all have a say in how big the budget is and how it is allocated. But the Commission and EU countries are responsible for the actual spending. Euro/monetary union The euro used every day by some 327 million Europeans is the most tangible proof of cooperation between EU countries. Its benefits are immediately obvious to anyone travelling abroad or shopping online on websites based in another EU country.

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Countries

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This section provides general information and basic facts and figures on all European countries. They are divided into EU member countries, countries which have applied for EU membership and others.

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Member states of the EU

Austria Belgium

Bulgaria

Latvia Lithuania Luxembourg Malta Netherlands Poland Portugal Romania Slovakia Slovenia Spain Sweden United Kingdom

Cyprus

Czech Republic

Denmark

Estonia

Finland

France

Germany

Greece

Hungary

Ireland

Italy

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Candidate countries

Croatia Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia Iceland Montenegro Turkey

Joining the EU
Becoming a member of the EU is a complex procedure which does not happen overnight. Once an applicant country meets the conditions for membership, it must implement EU rules and regulations in all areas. Any country that satisfies the conditions for membership can apply. These conditions are known as the Copenhagen criteria and include a free-market economy, a stable democracy and the rule of law, and the acceptance of all EU legislation, including of the euro. A country wishing to join the EU submits a membership application to the Council, which asks the Commission to assess the applicants ability to meet the Copenhagen criteria. If the

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Commissions opinion is positive, the Council must then agree upon a negotiating mandate. Negotiations are then formally opened on a subject-by-subject basis. Due to the huge volume of EU rules and regulations each candidate country must adopt as national law, the negotiations take time to complete. The candidates are supported financially, administratively and technically during this pre-accession period.

EU Institutions
The European Union (EU) is not a federation like the United States. Nor is it simply an organization for co-operation between governments, like the United Nations. It is, in fact, unique. The countries that make up the EU (its member states) remain independent sovereign nations but they pool their sovereignty in order to gain a strength and world influence none of them could have on their own. Pooling sovereignty means, in practice, that the member states delegate some of their decisionmaking powers to shared institutions they have created, so that decisions on specific matters of joint interest can be made democratically at European level. The European Council defines the general political direction and priorities of the European Union. With the entry into force of the Treaty of Lisbon on 1 December 2009, it became an institution. Its President is Herman Van Rompuy. The EU's decision-making process in general and the co-decision procedure in particular involve three main institutions:

the European Parliament, which represents the EUs citizens and is directly elected by them; the Council of the European Union, which represents the individual member states;
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the European Commission, which seeks to uphold the interests of the Union as a whole.

This institutional triangle produces the policies and laws that apply throughout the EU. In principle, it is the Commission that proposes new laws, but it is the Parliament and Council that adopt them. The Commission and the member states then implement them, and the Commission ensures that the laws are properly taken on board. Two other institutions have a vital part to play: the Court of Justice upholds the rule of European law, and the Court of Auditors checks the financing of the Unions activities. The powers and responsibilities of these institutions are laid down in the Treaties, which are the foundation of everything the EU does. They also lay down the rules and procedures that the EU institutions must follow. The Treaties are agreed by the presidents and/or prime ministers of all the EU countries, and ratified by their parliaments. The EU has a number of other institutions and bodies that play specialised roles:

the European Economic and Social Committee represents civil society, employers and employees; the Committee of the Regions represents regional and local authorities; the European Investment Bank finances EU investment projects, and helps small businesses via the European Investment Fund; the European Central Bank is responsible for European monetary policy; the European Ombudsman investigates complaints about maladministration by EU institutions and bodies; the European Data Protection Supervisor safeguards the privacy of peoples personal data; the Office for Official Publications of the European Communities publishes information about the EU;

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the European Personnel Selection Office recruits staff for the EU institutions and other bodies; the European Administrative School task is to provide training in specific areas for members of EU staff.

In addition, specialised agencies have been set up to handle certain technical, scientific or management tasks. Following the entry into force of the Treaty of Lisbon, the European Council appointed Catherine Ashton High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy. She chairs the Foreign Affairs Council and conducts the Common Foreign and Security Policy. Drawing on her role as Vice-President of the European Commission, she ensures the consistency and coordination of the European Union's external action. The High Representative is assisted by the European External Action Service(EEAS).

European Parliament
Directly elected by EU voters every 5 years, members of the European Parliament (MEPs) represent the people. Parliament is one of the EUs main law-making institutions, along with the Council. The European Parliament has three main roles.

debates and passes European laws, with the Council scrutinises other EU institutions, particularly the Commission, to make sure they are working democratically debates and adopts the EU's budget, with the Council.

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Passing European laws In many areas, such as consumer protection and the environment, Parliament works together with the Council (representing national governments) to decide on the content of EU laws and officially adopt them. This process is called 'co-decision'. Under the Lisbon Treaty, the range of policies covered by co-decision has increased, giving Parliament more power to influence the content of laws in areas including agriculture, energy policy, immigration and EU funds. Parliament must also give its permission for other important decisions, such as allowing new countries to join the EU. Democratic supervision Parliament exercises influence over other European institutions in several ways. When a new Commission is appointed, its 27 members one from each EU country cannot take up office until Parliament has approved them. If the Members of the European Parliament disapprove of a nominee, they can reject the entire slate. Parliament can also call on the Commission to resign during its period in office. This is called a 'motion of censure'. Parliament keeps check on the Commission by examining reports it produces and by questioning Commissioners. Its committees play an important part here. MEPs look at petitions from citizens and sets up committees of inquiry. When national leaders meet for European Council summits, Parliament gives its opinion on the topics on the agenda.

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Supervising the budget Parliament adopts the EUs annual budget with the Council. Parliament has a committee that monitors how the budget is spent, and every year passes judgement on the Commission's handling of the previous year's budget. Composition The number of MEPs each country has is roughly in proportion to its population. No country can have fewer than 6 or more than 96 MEPs. MEPs are grouped by political affiliation, not by nationality. Location The European Parliament has three places of work Brussels (Belgium), Luxembourg and Strasbourg (France). Luxembourg is home to the administrative offices (the General Secretariat). Meetings of the whole Parliament (plenary sessions) take place in Strasbourg and in Brussels. Committee meetings are also held in Brussels.

European Council
European Council meetings are essentially summits where EU leaders meet to decide on broad political priorities and major initiatives. Typically, there are around 4 meetings a year, chaired by a permanent president.

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What does it do? Its role is twofold setting the EU's general political direction and priorities, and dealing with complex or sensitive issues that cannot be resolved at a lower level of intergovernmental cooperation. Though influential in setting the EU political agenda, it has no powers to pass laws. Who exactly is involved? The European Council brings together the heads of state or government of every EU country, the Commission President and the European Council President, who chairs the meetings. The EUs High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy also takes part.

Who is the President of the European Council? Herman Van Rompuy is the President of the European Council. His term of office began on 1 December 2009 and runs until 31 May 2012. When and where does it meet? At least every 6 months, though its president can convene a special meeting if needed. Usually in Brussels. How are decisions taken? The European Council decides by consensus, except if the Treaties provide otherwise. In some cases, it adopts decisions by unanimity or by qualified majority, depending on what the Treaty provides for.

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The presidents of the European Council and Commission, and the High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy do not have a vote. History The European Council began informally in 1974 as a forum for discussion between EU leaders. It rapidly developed into the body which fixed goals and priorities for the bloc. Acquiring formal status in 1992, in 2009 it became one of the EUs 7 official institutions.

Council of the European Union

Also informally known as the EU Council, this is where national ministers from each EU country meet to adopt laws and coordinate policies. Not to be confused with:

European Council another EU institution, where EU leaders meet around 4 times a year to discuss the EUs political priorities Council of Europe not an EU body at all.

What does it do? 1. Passes EU laws. 2. Coordinates the broad economic policies of EU member countries.

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3. Signs agreements between the EU and other countries. 4. Approves the annual EU budget 5. Develops the EU's foreign and defence policies. 6. Coordinates cooperation between courts and police forces of member countries. 1. Passing EU laws The Council and Parliament share the final say on new EU laws proposed by the Commission. 2. Coordinating economic policies EU member countries have decided they want an overall economic policy for Europe, coordinated by the economics and finance ministers of each country.

A further objective is to create more jobs and improve education, healthcare and welfare systems. Although each country is responsible for its own policy, they can agree on common goals and learn from each others experience. 3. Signing international agreements The Council signs agreements on behalf of the EU on subjects as diverse as the environment, trade, development, textiles, fisheries, science, technology and transport. 4. Approving the EU budget The money the EU can spend every year is decided jointly by the Council and the European Parliament.

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5. Foreign and defence policy National governments have independent control in these areas, but are working together to develop a joint foreign and defence policy (known as the 'Common Foreign and Security Policy'). The Council is the main forum for this cooperation. The EU does not have an army. But to help it respond more quickly to international conflicts and natural disasters, some EU countries provide troops for a rapid reaction force, whose role is limited to humanitarian work, rescues and peace-keeping. 6. Justice EU citizens should have equal access to justice anywhere in the EU. In the Council, justice ministers strive to ensure that court judgements in one EU country on divorce cases, for instance are recognised in all other EU countries.

Justice and interior ministers coordinate the policing of the EUs external borders, and the fight against terrorism and international organised crime. Who are the members of the Council? There are no fixed members as such. At each Council meeting, each country sends the minister for the policy field being discussed e.g. the environment minister for the meeting dealing with environmental matters. That meeting will then be known as the "Environment Council". Who chairs the meetings? The foreign ministers Council has a permanent chairperson the EU's High Representative for foreign and security policy.

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All other Council meetings are chaired by the relevant minister of the country holding the rotating EU presidency. For example, any environment Council meeting in the period when Estonia holds the presidency will be chaired by the Estonian environment minister. Voting Decisions in the Council of the EU are taken by qualified majority as a general rule. The bigger a countrys population, the more votes it has, but in fact the numbers are weighted in favour of the less populous countries:

Germany, France, Italy and the United Kingdom: 29 votes Spain and Poland: 27 Romania: 14 Netherlands: 13 Belgium, Czech Republic, Greece, Hungary and Portugal: 12 Austria, Bulgaria and Sweden: 10 Denmark, Ireland, Lithuania, Slovakia and Finland: 7 Cyprus, Estonia, Latvia, Luxembourg and Slovenia: 4 Malta: 3

TOTAL: 345 When the Council votes, 'qualified majority voting' applies. A qualified majority is reached when:

a majority (sometimes even two thirds) of the 27 EU countries vote in favour at least 255 of the possible 345 votes are cast

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Furthermore, a member country can ask for a check to see whether the majority represents minimum 62% of the total population. If this is not the case, the proposal cannot be adopted. In votes concerning sensitive topics - like security and external affairs and taxation - decisions by the Council have to be unanimous. This means that one single country can veto a decision. From 2014 a system known as 'double majority voting' will be introduced. For a proposal to go through, it will need the support of 2 types of majority: a majority of countries (at least 15) and a majority of the total EU population (the countries in favour must represent at least 65% of the EU population).

The History of the European Union

1945-1959 A peaceful Europe the beginnings of cooperation

The historical roots of the European Union lie in the Second World War. Europeans are determined to prevent such killing and destruction ever happening again. Soon after the war, Europe is split into East and West as the 40-year-long Cold War begins. West European nations create the Council of Europe in 1949. It is a first step towards cooperation between them, but six countries want to go further.

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9 May 1950 French Foreign Minister Robert Schuman presents a plan for deeper cooperation. Later, every 9 May is celebrated as 'Europe Day'. Founding fathers Click here for more information on the founding fathers of the European Union, regarded by many as the principal architects of European integration following the end of the Second World War.

Konrad Adenauer Sir Winston Churchill Alcide de Gasperi Walter Hallstein

Jean Monnet Robert Schuman Paul Henri Spaak Altiero,Spinel

18 April 1951 Based on the Schuman plan, six countries sign a treaty to run their heavy industries coal and steel under a common management. In this way, none can on its own make the weapons of war to turn against the other, as in the past. The six are Germany, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Belgium and Luxembourg.

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Founding Member States: Germany, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Belgium and Luxembourg.

Swiss architect Le Corbusier marks a new trend with the opening (1952) of his self-contained vertical city (Unit dhabitation) in Marseilles, France. The stark appearance of this concrete complex provokes the nickname The new brutalism. In Hungary, people rise against the Soviet-backed regime in 1956. In November, Soviet tanks appear on the streets of Budapest to putdown the protests. The Soviet Union beats the United States in the space race by launching the first manmade space satellite, Sputnik 1, in 1957.Sputnik 1 orbits the earth at a height of 800 km. In 1961, Soviet Union wins again with the first cosmonaut, Yuri Gagarin, whose spacecraft is just 2.6m in diameter. 25 March 1957 Building on the success of the Coal and Steel Treaty, the six countries expand cooperation to other economic sectors. They sign the Treaty of Rome, creating the European Economic Community (EEC), or common market. The idea is for people, goods and services to move freely across borders.

1960-1969 A period of economic growth

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In August 1961, the communist authorities in East Germany build a wall across Berlin to prevent their citizens from escaping to a freer life in the West. A few people still escape; others are shot by guards in the attempt. 30 July 1962 The EU starts its common agricultural policy giving the countries joint control over food production. Farmers are paid the same price for their produce. The EU grows enough food for its needs and farmers earn well. The unwanted side-effect is overproduction with mountains of surplus produce. Since the 1990s, priorities have been to cut surpluses and raise food quality. Beatlemania sweeps the world in 1963. The Beatles, the first pop supergroup, attract huge crowds of teenagers wherever they appear. They stimulate a cultural revolution, widening the generation gap. 20 July 1963 The EU signs its first big international agreement a deal to help 18 former colonies in Africa. By 2005, it has a special partnership with 78 countries in Africa, the Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) regions. The EU is the worlds biggest provider of development assistance to poorer countries. Its aid is linked to respect for human rights by recipients. Rioting by students and workers in France in May 1968 shakes the very foundations of the State. Milder student protests occur in other EU countries. They reflect frustration at remote and unresponsive governments as well as protests again the Vietnam War and the nuclear arms race.

1 July 1968

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The six remove customs duties on goods imported from each other, allowing free cross-border trade for the first time. They also apply the same duties on their imports from outside countries. The worlds biggest trading group is born. Tradeamong the six and between the EU and the rest of the world grows rapidly. Soviet tanks thunder into Prague in August 1968 to crush the short-lived Prague spring of fledgling democracy in Czechoslovakia. With over 600 000 troops occupying the country, the Czechs and Slovaks are powerless. One student, Jan Palach, burns himself to death in protest.

1970-1979 A growing community

24 April 1972 The EUs first plan for a single currency dates from 1970. To maintain monetary stability, EU members decide to allow their currencies to fluctuate against each other only within narrow limits. This exchange rate mechanism (ERM), created in 1972, is a first step towards the introduction of the euro, 30 years later. The fight against pollution intensifies in the 1970s. The EU adopts laws to protect the environment, introducing the notion of the polluter pays for the first time. Pressure groups such as Greenpeace are founded.

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1 January 1973 The six become nine when Denmark, Ireland and the United Kingdom formally enter the EU. Member States: Germany, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Belgium and Luxembourg. New Member States: Denmark, Ireland and the United Kingdom.

Following an Arab-Israeli war in October 1973, Middle East oil-producing nations impose big price increases and restrict sales to certain European countries. This creates economic problems throughout the EU. 10 December 1974 To show their solidarity, EU leaders set up the European Regional Development Fund. Its purpose is to transfer money from rich to poor regions to improve roads and communications, attract investment and create jobs. This type of activity later comes to account for one third of all EU spending. 710 June 1979 EU citizens directly elect the members of the European Parliament for the first time. Previously they were delegated by national parliaments. Members sit in pan-European political groups (Socialist, Conservative, Liberal, Greens, etc.) and not in national delegations. The influence of the Parliament is constantly increasing.

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The overthrow of the Salazar regime in Portugal in 1974 and the death of General Franco of Spain in 1975 end the last right-wing dictatorships in Europe. Both countries commit themselves to democratic government an important step towards qualifying for future membership of the EU. The murder of former Italian Prime Minister, Aldo Moro, in 1978 is one of many acts of terrorism carried out by extremist groups in the 1970s. Among the victims are leading lawyers, businessmen and politicians, as well as 11 Israeli athletes at the Munich Olympic Games (1972).

1980-1989 The changing face of Europe the fall of the Berlin Wall
In summer 1980, shipyard workers in the Polish city of Gdansk, led by Lech Walesa, strike for more rights. Other strikes follow across the country. In August, the government capitulates and Solidarno is created as an independent trade union. The government gradually reasserts its power and imposes martial law in December 1981, ending Polands brief encounter with people power. But the seeds have been sown for later. 1 January 1981 Membership of the EU reaches double figures when Greece joins. It has been eligible to join since its military regime was overthrown and democracy restored in 1974. Member States: Germany, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, Denmark, Ireland and the United Kingdom. New Member State: Greece.

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28 February 1984 Computers and automation are changing the way we live and work. To stay in the forefront of innovation, the EU adopts the Esprit programme in 1984 as the first of many research and development programmes it has since funded. A new thrill is bungee jumping. Parents gasp, but youngsters enjoy the sensation of jumping from a high place, attached to an elastic rope which breaks their fall and pulls them back before they hit the ground. 1 January 1986 Spain and Portugal enter the EU, bringing membership to Member States: Germany, France, Italy, the 12.

Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, Denmark, Ireland, United Kingdom and Greece. New Member States: Spain and Portugal.
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17 February 1986 Although customs duties disappeared in 1968, trade is not flowing freely across EU borders. The main obstacles are differences in national regulations. The Single European Act of 1986 launches a vast six-year programme to sort these out. The Act also gives the European Parliament more say and strengthens EU powers inenvironmental protection. 15 June 1987 The EU launches the Erasmus programme to fund university students wishing to study for up to a year in another European country. More than 2 million young people have benefited from this and similar EU schemes. The collapse of communism across central and eastern Europe, which began in Poland and Hungary, is symbolised by the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989. Faced by a mass exodus of its citizens to West, the East German government throws open the gates. Germany is united after more than 40 years, and its eastern part joins the EU (October 1990).

1990-1999 Europe without frontiers

In the Balkans, Yugoslavia begins to break apart in 1991. Fighting erupts first in Croatia, then in Bosnia and Herzegovina where Serbs, Croats and Muslims fight in a bloody civil war. 7 February 1992

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The Treaty on European Union is signed in Maastricht. It is a major EU milestone, setting clear rules for the future single currency as well as for foreign and security policy and closer cooperation in justice and home affairs. Under the treaty, the name European Union officially replaces European Community. 1 January 1993 The single market and its four freedoms are established: the free movement of goods, services, people and money is now reality. More than 200 laws have been agreed since 1986 covering tax policy, business regulations, professional qualifications and other barriers to open frontiers. The free movement of some services is delayed. 1 January 1995 Austria, Finland and Sweden join the EU. The 15 members now cover almost the whole of western Europe. In October 1990, Germany was unified and therefore former East Germany became part of the EU. Member States: Germany, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, Denmark, Ireland, United Kingdom, Greece, Spain and Portugal. New Member States: Austria, Finland and Sweden.

26 March 1995 The Schengen Agreement takes effect in seven countries Belgium, Germany, Spain, France, Luxembourg, the Netherlands and Portugal. Travellers of any nationality can travel between all

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these countries without any passport control at the frontiers. Other countries have since joined the passport-free Schengen area.

17 June 1997 Signature of the Treaty of Amsterdam. It builds on the achievements of the treaty from Maastricht, laying down plans to reform EU institutions, to give Europe a stronger voice in the world, and to concentrate more resources on employment and the rights of citizens. 13 December 1997 EU leaders agree to start the process of membership negotiations with 10 countries of central and eastern Europe: Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, Slovakia and Slovenia. The Mediterranean islands of Cyprus and Malta are also included. In 2000, Treaty changes agreed in Nice open the way for enlargement by reforming EU voting rules. In 1996, scientists in Scotland succeed in cloning a sheep from a single cell of a six-year-old ewe, a breakthrough in genetic engineering. Dolly is an identical copy of her parent. 1 January 1999 The euro is introduced in 11 countries (joined by Greece in 2001) for commercial and financial transactions only. Notes and coins will come later. The euro countries are Belgium, Germany,

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Greece, Spain, France, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Austria, Portugal and Finland. Denmark, Sweden and the United Kingdom decide to stay out for the time being.

2000 - today A decade of further expansion

On 11 September 2001, hijacked airliners are flown into the twin towers of the World Trade Center in New York and the Pentagon building in Washington. Nearly 3 000 people die. The EU countries stand firmly alongside the United States in the fight against international terror. 1 January 2002 Euro notes and coins arrive. Printing, minting and distributing them in 12 countries is a major logistical operation. More than 80 billion coins are involved. Notes are the same for all countries. Coins have one common face, giving the value, while the other carries a national emblem. All circulate freely. Using Finnish (or any other) euro coin to buy a Madrid metro ticket is something we take for granted. 31 March 2003 As part of its foreign and security policy, the EU takes on peace-keeping operations in the Balkans, firstly in the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, and then in Bosnia and Herzegovina. In both cases, EU-led forces replace NATO units. Internally, the EU agrees to create an area of freedom, security and justicefor all citizens by 2010.

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1 May 2004 Eight countries of central and eastern Europe the Czech Republic, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Hungary, Poland, Slovenia and Slovakia join the EU, finally ending the division of Europe decided by the Great Powers 60 years earlier at Yalta. Cyprus and Malta also become members.

Member States: Germany, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, Denmark, Ireland, United Kingdom, Greece, Spain, Portugal, Austria, Finland and Sweden. New Member States: Czech Republic, Cyprus, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Hungary, Malta, Poland, Slovenia and Slovakia. Candidate Countries: Bulgaria, Romania and Turkey.

29 October 2004 The 25 EU countries sign a Treaty establishing a European Constitution. It is designed to streamline democratic decision-making and management in an EU of 25 and more countries. It also creates the post of a European Foreign Minister. It has to be ratified by all 25 countries before it can come into force. When citizens in both France and the Netherlands voted 'No' to the Constitution in referendums in 2005, EU leaders declared a "period of reflection".

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The Kyoto Protocol, an international treaty to limit global warming and cut emissions of greenhouse gases, comes into force. The EU has consistently taken the lead in efforts to reduce the impact of climate change. The United States is not a party to the protocol. The communications revolution continues. Many schools and homes now have high-speed access to the Internet. Text messages and SMS are the favourite way for young people to stay in constant contact with each other. Wide-screen and flat-screen TV sets and DVDs set the pace for home entertainment.

1 January 2007 Two more countries from eastern Europe, Bulgaria and Romania, now join the EU, brining the number of member states to 27 countries. Croatia, the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia and Turkey are also candidates for future membership. Member.States: Germany, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Belgium,Luxembourg, Denmark, Ireland, United Kingdom, Greece, Spain, Portugal, Austria,Finland, Sweden, Czech Republic, Cyprus, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Hungary,Malta, Poland, Slovenia and Slovakia. New Member States: Bulgaria and Romania. Candidate Countries: Croatia, the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia andTurkey.

13 December 2007

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The 27 EU countries sign the Treaty of Lisbon, which amends the previous Treaties. It is designed to make the EU more democratic, efficient and transparent, and thereby able to tackle global challenges such as climate change, security and sustainable development. Before the Treaty can come into force, it has to be ratified by each of the 27 Member States.

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Taking Europe into the 21st Century

Europe is not the same place it was 50 years ago, and nor is the rest of the world. In a constantly changing, ever more interconnected world, Europe is grappling with new issues: globalization, demographic shifts, climate change, the need for sustainable energy sources and new security threats. These are the challenges facing Europe in the 21st century. Borders count for very little in the light of these challenges. The EU countries cannot meet them alone. But acting as one, Europe can deliver results and respond to the concerns of the public. For this, Europe needs to modernize. The EU has recently expanded from 15 to 27 members; it needs effective, coherent tools so it can function properly and respond to the rapid changes in the world. That means rethinking some of the ground rules for working together. The treaty signed in Lisbon on 13 December 2007 sets out to do just that. When European leaders reached agreement on the new rules, they were thinking of the political, economic and social changes going on, and the need to live up to the hopes and expectations of the European public. The Treaty of Lisbon defines what the EU can and cannot do, and what means it can use. It alters the structure of the EUs institutions and how they work. As a result, the EU is more democratic and its core values are better served. This treaty is the result of negotiations between EU member countries in an intergovernmental conference, in which the Commission and Parliament were also involved. The treaty was ratified by each of the EUs 27 members. It was up to each country to choose the procedure for ratification, in line with its own national constitution. The Treaty entered into force on 1 December 2009, in accordance with its Article 6.

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The Treaty at a Glance

On 1 December 2009, the Treaty of Lisbon entered into force, thus ending several years of negotiation about institutional issues. The Treaty of Lisbon amends the current EU and EC treaties, without replacing them. It provides the Union with the legal framework and tools necessary to meet future challenges and to respond to citizens' demands.
1. A more democratic and transparent Europe, with a strengthened role for the European

Parliament and national parliaments, more opportunities for citizens to have their voices heard and a clearer sense of who does what at European and national level.

A strengthened role for the European Parliament: the European Parliament,

directly elected by EU citizens, is provided with important new powers regarding EU legislation, the EU budget and international agreements. In particular, the increase of codecision procedure in policy-making ensures that the European Parliament is placed on an equal footing with the Council, representing Member States, for the vast bulk of EU legislation.

A greater involvement of national parliaments: national parliaments have greater

opportunities to be involved in the work of the EU, in particular thanks to a new mechanism to monitor that the Union only acts where results can be better attained at EU level (subsidiarity). Together with the strengthened role for the European Parliament, it will enhance democracy and increase legitimacy in the functioning of the Union.

A stronger voice for citizens: thanks to the Citizens' Initiative, one million citizens

from a number of Member States have the possibility to call on the Commission to bring forward new policy proposals.

Who does what: the relationship between the Member States and the European

Union become clearer with the categorisation of competences.

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Withdrawal from the Union: the Treaty of Lisbon explicitly recognises for the

first time the possibility for a Member State to withdraw from the Union.

2.

A more efficient Europe, with simplified working methods and voting rules, streamlined

and modern institutions for a EU of 27 members and an improved ability to act in areas of major priority for today's Union.

Effective and efficient decision-making: qualified majority voting in the Council

is extended to new policy areas to make decision-making faster and more efficient. From 2014 on, the calculation of qualified majority will be based on the double majority of Member States and people, thus representing the dual legitimacy of the Union. A double majority will be achieved when a decision is taken by 55% of the Member States representing at least 65% of the Unions population.

A more stable and streamlined institutional framework: the Treaty of Lisbon

creates the function of President of the European Council elected for two and a half years, introduces a direct link between the election of the Commission President and the results of the European elections, provides for new arrangements for the future composition of the European Parliament, and includes clearer rules on enhanced cooperation and financial provisions.

Improving the life of Europeans: the Treaty of Lisbon improves the EU's ability to

act in several policy areas of major priority for today's Union and its citizens. This is the case in particular for the policy areas of freedom, security and justice, such as combating terrorism or tackling crime. It also concerns to some extent other areas including energy policy, public health, civil protection, climate change, services of general interest, research, space, territorial cohesion, commercial policy, humanitarian aid, sport, tourism and administrative cooperation.

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3.

A Europe of rights and values, freedom, solidarity and security, promoting the

Union's values, introducing the Charter of Fundamental Rights into European primary law, providing for new solidarity mechanisms and ensuring better protection of European citizens.

Democratic values: the Treaty of Lisbon details and reinforces the values and

objectives on which the Union is built. These values aim to serve as a reference point for European citizens and to demonstrate what Europe has to offer its partners worldwide.

Citizens' rights and Charter of Fundamental Rights: the Treaty of Lisbon

preserves existing rights while introducing new ones. In particular, it guarantees the freedoms and principles set out in the Charter of Fundamental Rights and gives its provisions a binding legal force. It concerns civil, political, economic and social rights.

Freedom of European citizens: the Treaty of Lisbon preserves and reinforces the Solidarity between Member States: the Treaty of Lisbon provides that the Union

"four freedoms" and the political, economic and social freedom of European citizens.

and its Member States act jointly in a spirit of solidarity if a Member State is the subject of a terrorist attack or the victim of a natural or man-made disaster. Solidarity in the area of energy is also emphasised.

Increased security for all: the Union gets an extended capacity to act on freedom,

security and justice, which brings direct benefits in terms of the Union's ability to fight crime and terrorism. New provisions on civil protection, humanitarian aid and public health also aim at boosting the Union's ability to respond to threats to the security of European citizens.
4.

Europe as an actor on the global stage will be achieved by bringing together Europe's

external policy tools, both when developing and deciding new policies. The Treaty of Lisbon gives Europe a clear voice in relations with its partners worldwide. It harnesses Europe's economic, humanitarian, political and diplomatic strengths to promote European interests and values worldwide, while respecting the particular interests of the Member States in Foreign Affairs.

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A new High Representative for the Union in Foreign Affairs and Security

Policy, also Vice-President of the Commission, will increase the impact, the coherence and the visibility of the EU's external action.

A new European External Action Service will provide back up and support to the A single legal personality for the Union will strengthen the Union's negotiating

High Representative.

power, making it more effective on the world stage and a more visible partner for third countries and international organizations.

Progress in European Security and Defence Policy will preserve special decision-

making arrangements but also pave the way towards reinforced cooperation amongst a smaller group of Member States.

A more democratic and transparent Europe

The Treaty of Lisbon confirms three principles of democratic governance in Europe:

Democratic equality: the European institutions must give equal attention to all citizens Representative democracy: a greater role for the European Parliament and greater involvement for national parliaments Participatory democracy: new forms of interaction between citizens and the European institutions, like the citizens' initiative

The treaty also clarifies the relations between the European Union and its member countries. Greater powers for the European Parliament The members of the European Parliament are elected by direct universal suffrage every five years to represent the citizens of the member countries. Parliament's powers have been gradually extended with every new treaty. The Treaty of Lisbon is no exception, giving more powers in relation to lawmaking, budget and international agreements.

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Lawmaking: the 'co-decision procedure' (renamed 'ordinary legislative procedure') has been extended to several new fields. This means that Parliament now has the same degree of lawmaking power as the Council in some areas where it used to be merely consulted or not involved at all. These areas include legal immigration, penal judicial cooperation (Eurojust, crime prevention, alignment of prison standards, offences and penalties), police cooperation (Europol) and some aspects of trade policy and agriculture. The Parliament now has a role to play in almost all lawmaking. Budget: the new treaty confirms the established practice of working with a multiannual financial framework, which Parliament must approve. It also abolishes the former distinction between 'compulsory' expenditure (like direct income support to farmers) and 'non-compulsory' expenditure, with the result that Parliament and the Council determine all expenditure together. This innovation creates a new balance between the two institutions when approving the EU's budget. International agreements: under the Treaty of Lisbon, the European Parliament's assent is required for all international agreements in fields governed by the ordinary legislative procedure. A greater role for national parliaments The treaty gives the national parliaments greater scope to participate alongside the European institutions in the work of the Union. A new clause clearly sets out the rights and duties of the national parliaments within the EU. It deals with their right to information, the way they monitor subsidiarity, mechanisms for evaluating policy in the field of freedom, security and justice, procedures for reforming the treaties, and so on. The greatest novelty lies in new power to enforce subsidiarity. Subsidiarity means that except in the areas where it has exclusive powers the EU acts only where action will be more effective at EU-level than at national level. Any national parliament may flag a proposal for EU action which it believes does not respect this principle. This triggers a two-stage procedure:

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if one third of national parliaments consider that the proposal is not in line with subsidiarity, the Commission will have to re-examine it and decide whether to maintain, adjust or withdraw it

if a majority of national parliaments agrees with the objection but the Commission decides to maintain its proposal anyway, the Commission will have to explain its reasons, and it will be up to the European Parliament and the Council to decide whether or not to continue the legislative procedure.

Transparency in the Council of Ministers National parliaments and citizens are now able to see which decisions have been taken by which national ministers in the Council, since all its deliberations on legislative matters are made public. More participatory democracy There are already many ways in which European citizens can find out about and take part in the political process of the EU. The newest of these is the citizens' initiative, whereby one million citizens, from any number of member countries, will be able to ask the Commission to present a proposal in any of the EU's areas of responsibility. The practical details of this initiative will be worked out once the Treaty of Lisbon takes effect. The treaty also recognizes the importance of consultation and dialogue with associations, civil society, workers and employers, churches and other non-denominational organizations. Relations between the EU and its member countries In answer to a question frequently asked by citizens: "Who does what in the EU?" the treaty stipulates who is to act in which domain - the Union or the member states. Three categories of powers are thus identified:

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Exclusive powers: in fields like the customs union, the common trade policy and competition, only the Union may legislate Supporting, coordinating or complementary action: in areas like culture, education and industry, the Union may only support action by the member states (by providing funding, for example)

shared powers: in other fields, like the environment, transport and consumer protection, the Union and the member states share lawmaking power, not forgetting subsidiarity.

After joining the European Union, countries remain members by choice. The Treaty of Lisbon includes a voluntary withdrawal clause, recognizing that the member states may always withdraw from the Union if they wish to.

Efficient and modern institutions

The Treaty of Lisbon does not fundamentally change the EUs institutional set-up, which is still based on its three main bodies: European Parliament, Council and European Commission. However, it introduces a number of new elements to make these bodies more effective, consistent and transparent, all in the cause of better serving the people of Europe. In total, there are now seven EU institutions: the European Parliament, European Council, Council, European Commission, European Court of Justice, European Central Bank and European Court of Auditors. So what has the treaty changed? European Parliament This body represents voters in the EUs member countries. The treaty has boosted its powers as regards lawmaking, the EU budget and approval of international agreements. The composition of the parliament has also been changed - the number of MEPs is capped at 751 (750 plus the president of the parliament). Seats are distributed among countries according to degressive

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proportionality, i.e. MEPs from more populous countries will each represent more people than those from smaller countries. No country may now have less than 6 or more than 96 MEPs. European Council The European Council, which has the role of driving EU policy-making, now becomes a full EU institution. Although it does not gain any new powers, it is headed by a newly created position of president. Elected by the European Council for 2 years, the main job of the president is to prepare the Councils work, ensure its continuity and work to secure consensus among member countries. The president cannot simultaneously hold any elected position or office nationally. The Council of the European Union The Council represents the EUs member governments. Its role is largely unchanged. It continues to share lawmaking and budget power with the European Parliament and maintain its central role in common foreign and security policy (CFSP) and coordinating economic policies. The main change brought by the Treaty of Lisbon concerns the decision making process. Firstly, the default voting method for the Council is now qualified majority voting, except where the treaties require a different procedure (e.g. a unanimous vote). In practice, this means that qualified majority voting has been extended to many new policy areas (e.g. immigration and culture). In 2014, a new voting method will be introduced - double majority voting. To be passed by the Council, proposed EU laws will then require a majority not only of the EUs member countries (55 %) but also of the EU population (65 %). This will reflect the legitimacy of the EU as a union of both peoples and nations. It will make EU lawmaking both more transparent and more effective. And it will be accompanied by a new mechanism (similar to the Ioannina compromise) enabling a small number of member governments (close to a blocking minority) to demonstrate their opposition to a decision. Where this mechanism is used, the Council will be

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required to do everything in its power to reach a satisfactory solution between the two parties, within a reasonable time period. European Commission Its main job is promoting the European public interest. The Treaty offers the perspective that a Commissioner from each Member State becomes Member of the Commission, while under the former Treaties that number would have to be reduced to a number inferior to that of Member States. In another major change, there is a direct link between the results of the European elections and the choice of candidate for president of the Commission. The president is also stronger, as he/she has the power to dismiss fellow Commissioners. EU high representative for foreign and security policy / Commission vice-president The creation of this post is one of the major institutional innovations introduced by the Treaty of Lisbon. It should ensure consistency in the EUs dealings with foreign countries and international bodies. The high representative has a dual role: representing the Council on common foreign and security policy matters and also being Commissioner for external relations. Conducting both common foreign policy and common defence policy, he/she chairs the periodic meetings of member countries foreign ministers (the foreign affairs Council). And he/she represents the EUs common foreign and security policy internationally, assisted by a new European external action service, composed of officials from the Council, Commission and national diplomatic services. The other institutions No significant changes have been made to the role or powers of the European Central Bank or the Court of Auditors. However, the treaty broadens the scope of the European Court of Justice,

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especially as regards police and judicial cooperation in criminal matters, and changes some of its procedures. National parliaments Although national parliaments are not part of the EUs official institutional setup, they play a vital role in the operation of the EU. The Treaty recognizes and strengthens the role of national parliaments. For example, if a sufficient number of national parliaments is convinced that a legislative initiative should better be taken at a local, regional or national level, the Commission either has to withdraw it or give a clear justification why it does not believe that the initiative is in breach with the principle of subsidiarity.

Policies for a better life

Leading the fight against climate change, building an ambitious space policy, ensuring security of energy supply: these are a few examples of what the EU is now able to do thanks to the Treaty of Lisbon. The European Unions wide ranging activities affect our everyday lives, but the challenges facing Europe today are complex and diverse. The treaty will help Europe to continue moving forward in this world of increased competition and changing demographics. This will pay dividends, not only in the area of growth and competition, but also in aspects of our social care. Now all EU policies will have to factor in boosting employment, adequate social protection and the fight against social exclusion. Climate change and the environment Climate change is one of the biggest threats facing us now: it impacts on our social and economic lives as well as our environment. Fighting it on an international level is the cornerstone of the EUs environment policy, along with sustainable development. Although sustainable

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development and environmental protection have been included in existing treaties, the Treaty of Lisbon sets out clear definitions, reinforcing the EUs action in these fields. Energy Energy supplies are crucial to us all: rising bills have affected many Europeans in the last couple of years. The Treaty of Lisbon helps Europe secure its supply and will promote the use of sustainable and competitive resources. The Treaty contains a specific chapter on energy which defines the key competencies and the overall objectives of energy policy: the functioning of energy markets, security of supply, energy efficiency and savings, the development of new and renewable forms of energy and the interconnection of energy networks. For the first time there is a principle of solidarity, ensuring that if one country faces severe difficulties in the supply of energy, other Member States will help keep the country supplied. Civil protection The Treaty of Lisbon aims to facilitate the prevention and protection against natural and man made disasters within the EU. A new legal basis allows EU countries' actions in this field to be supported and operational cooperation to be promoted. As the first visible signs of climate change to hit Europe, floods and fires, become apparent, cooperation between Member States is now more necessary than ever. Public health The wellbeing of Europes citizens is at the heart of the Treaty of Lisbon so further developments are made to health policies. The Treaty provides for measures which have as their direct objective the protection of public health, including as regards tobacco and the abuse of alcohol. To step up patient protection, the EU is able to set standards for medical products and devices. Finally, the Treaty helps Member States monitor the early warning of serious cross-

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border threats, such as avian flu. Should such threats become reality, the Treaty enables EU countries to mobilise all their resources in a coherent and efficient manner. Public services The Treaty of Lisbon recognises the role public services play in social and regional cohesion transport, schooling, health care all keep us going. A special protocol is attached to the Treaty, which sets out the key ways to make services of general interest effective and relevant. Regional policy The Treaty also consolidates economic, social and territorial cohesion in the Union; for the first time, the principle of territorial cohesion appears in the EU objectives. The Treaty of Lisbon strengthens the role of the regions and the new definition of the principle of subsidiarity according to which the EU only acts where results can be better attained at EU level rather than national level now refers to both local and regional levels. Research The Treaty of Lisbon puts at the heart of its research policy the establishment of a European Research Area in which researchers, scientific knowledge and technology circulate freely. At a time when new world players are emerging with a keen interest in establishing space projects, the Treaty also creates a new legal basis for a coherent space policy: a clear acknowledgement that Europe can not afford to overlook the economic and strategic benefits of a space policy. Commercial policy For everyone to flourish, trade needs to be kept fair and free. The Treaty of Lisbon extends the scope of Europes commercial policy to include direct foreign investment. The tools of intellectual property: trademarks, designs, patents, copyright, are a driving force for innovation, growth and competitiveness. The Treaty of Lisbon makes uniform protection throughout the Union easier to provide.

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Sport The Treaty of Lisbon paves the way for a real European dimension in sport. New provisions enables the EU to support, coordinate and supplement the actions of Member States, promoting neutrality and transparency in sporting competitions and cooperation between sporting bodies. It also protects the physical and moral integrity of sportsmen and women, with particular emphasis on the young. Economy The euro area, comprising the countries having adopted the common currency, will also run more smoothly under the Treaty of Lisbon. The Commission is able to issue a "direct" warning to Member States whose loose budgetary discipline risks jeopardizing the proper functioning of the euro area. Data protection The Treaty of Lisbon clearly states that everyone has the right to the protection of their personal data. This right is also enshrined in the Charter of Fundamental Rights.

A Europe of rights and values

Human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, the rule of law and the respect for human rights: these are the core values of the EU which are set out at the beginning of the Treaty of Lisbon. They are common to all Member States, and any European country wishing to become a member of the Union must respect them. Promoting these values, as well as peace and the well-being of the Unions peoples are now the main objectives of the Union. These general objectives are supplemented by a list of more detailed ones, including the promotion of social justice and protection, and the fight against social exclusion and discrimination.

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The Treaty of Lisbon makes significant advances regarding the protection of fundamental rights. It opens the way for the Union to seek accession to the European Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms. In addition, the Treaty of Lisbon guarantees the enforcement of the Charter of Fundamental Rights. The EU therefore acquires for itself a catalogue of civil, political, economic and social rights, which are legally binding not only on the Union and its institutions, but also on the

Member States as regards the implementation of Union law. The Charter lists all the fundamental rights under six major headings: Dignity, Freedom, Equality, Solidarity, Citizenship and Justice. It also proclaims additional rights not contained in the European Human Rights Convention, such as data protection, bioethics and the right to good administration. It reaffirms important steps to outlaw discrimination on the grounds of gender, race and colour. It also mentions social rights applied within companies, e.g. workers rights to be informed, to negotiate and take collective action in other words, the right to strike. Last but not least, the Treaty of Lisbon introduces a new right, which enables you to have your say on European matters: a petition with at least one million signatures obtained from a number of Member States can be sent to the Commission inviting it to take a legislative initiative.

Once

social change begins, it cannot be reversed. You cannot uneducate the person who has

learned to read. You cannot humiliate the person who feels pride. You cannot oppress the people who are not afraid anymore. We have seen the future, and the future is ours.

-Cesar Chavez-

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