European Union

Taking Europe into the 21st century

The last formal step for the Treaty of Lisbon to take effect has been completed when the Czech Republic deposited its instruments of ratification in Rome.

The Lisbon Treaty will enter into force on 1 December 2009. It will lay the foundation for a more democratic, efficient and transparent European Union, allowing the Union to better tackle the challenges ahead.

It will provide the Union with a permanent President of the European Council and a High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy that will enhance continuity and strengthen the Union’s role in the international arena.

The Lisbon Treaty

• Full text 
• Lisbon Treaty website
• Explaining the Treaty of Lisbon - Frequently Asked Questions

Informal meeting of EU Heads of State and Government Brussels, 19 November 2009

• European Council announces new leadership for Europe
• Press conference – video
• Presidency Conclusions
• The President of the European Council – What is his role? Background Brief (November 2009)
• Website of President Herman van Rompuy
• The High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Background Brief (November 2009)
• Website of HR Catherine ASHTON

The new Commission 2010-2014

• President Barroso announces the portfolios responsibilities for the new College
• The Members of the Barroso Commission 2010-2014

The European External Action Service

“In fulfilling his mandate, the High Representative shall be assisted by a European External Action Service. This service shall work in cooperation with the diplomatic services of the Member States and shall comprise officials from relevant departments of the General Secretariat of the Council and of the Commission as well as staff seconded from national diplomatic services of the member states. The organisation and functioning of the European External Action Service shall be established by a decision of the Council. The Council shall act on a proposal from the High Representative after consulting the European Parliament and after obtaining the consent of the Commission.” Article 27(3), EU Treaty

• Guidelines for the European External Action Service (EEAS)
  
  
• Report by the European Parliament on the institutional aspects of setting up the EEAS (20 September 2009) and a Summary of a joint debate , held in Strasbourg on 21 October 2009
  
  
• HR Catherine Ashton presents vision for the European External Action Service (EEAS) (25 March 2010)  Following extensive consultations with the European Commission, European Union Member States and the European Parliament, the High Representative  presented her draft proposals on the organisation and functioning of the EEAS.
  
  
• Video of the press conference by HR Ashton on the EEAS, 25 March 2010