The European Union's Reform Process: The Lisbon Treaty

Archick, Kristin ; Library of Congress. Foreign Affairs Division.

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service.

关键词: International affairs;    Treaties;    Constitution;    Constitution -- European Union;    European Union;   

RP-ID  :  RS21618
RP-ID  :  RS21618_2008Jul03

美国|英语

来源: UNT Digital Library

【 摘 要 】

In December 2007, leaders of the European Union (EU) signed the Lisbon Treaty, which seeks to reform the EU's governing institutions and decisionmaking processes to enable a larger EU to operate more effectively. This new treaty represents the latest stage in a reform process begun in 2002 and essentially replaces the proposed EU "constitution" that foundered after French and Dutch voters rejected it in referendums in 2005. In June 2008, Irish voters rejected the Lisbon Treaty, and have thrown its future into doubt. This report provides background information on EU reform efforts and possible implications for U.S.-EU relations that may be of interest in the second session of the 110th Congress.