The Lisbon Treaty and its implications Flashcards
What is the subsidiarity control mechanism?
It was introduced in 2009, and allows parliaments to formally accuse the Commission of overstepping its remit.
Example of the subsidiarity control mechanism
There were 125 laws that have been questioned using the procedure.
What is a yellow card?
A yellow card forces the Commission to review the law; yet it has no obligation to withdraw it.
How does the yellow card work?
A law is blocked only if either half of MEPs in the European Parliament or 55% of national governments agree.
Controversy of the Lisbon Treaty
• Powerful posts
It established or updated powerful individual posts including the full-time President of the European Council. – The President of the EU and the High Representative for Foreign Affairs
Controversy of the Lisbon Treaty
• Extending EU power
By further extending EU powers in several areas, and reducing the veto, the treaty cemented the role of the EU as a federal super-state, effectively giving the treaty equivalent status to the US Constitution
Controversy of the Lisbon Treaty
• Dealing with sensitive areas
It dealt with areas traditionally considered to be part of a constitution including increased powers to the EU’s Parliament, courts and ‘central government’, and making the Charter of Human Rights legally binding
The Lisbon Treaty was watered down
• Opts out
It continues to allow opt-outs for a wide variety of issues, such as human rights and foreign policy, and has very little impact on areas like defence, policing or taxation.
The Lisbon Treaty was watered down
• Lack of accountability
It failed to tackle fundamental criticism of the EU such as the lack of accountability within the Commission, the convoluted policy making processes and the size of the budgets
The Lisbon Treaty was watered down
• Simplified processes
It added little value in that it did not replace earlier treaties but merely streamlined and simplified processes which were designed for a club of six but have been used for a club of twenty-seven
The Lisbon Treaty has created a European superstate
• Increased majority voting
It increases the number of issues subject to majority voting, thereby reducing the opportunities for national vetoes and eroding national sovereignty
The Lisbon Treaty has created a European superstate
• Powers to the Parliament
The increased powers given to the European Parliament, which operates on a supranational basis, also has the potential to sideline national interests
The Lisbon Treaty has created a European superstate
• The ECJ
It extends the powers of the European Court of Justice into home affairs
The Lisbon Treaty has created a European superstate
• Charter of Human Rights
It makes the Charter of Human Rights legally binding
The Lisbon Treaty has created a European superstate
• Foreign policy
It seeks to enhance the foreign policy role of the EU
