The Reform Treaty, signed in Lisbon on 13 December 2007 and ratified by France on 14 February 2008, entails institutional innovations, which could be a turning-point for European defence in its trend towards closer cooperation between member states. The MOD’s involvement in European defence matters could as a result be considerably revised. More generally, the internal modifications of the main European institutions and the likely development of their links should lead the MOD to adapt its relationship with those institutions.
The Impact of the Lisbon Treaty on Defence
The Reform Treaty or Treaty of Lisbon, ratified by France on 14 February 2008, was meant to enter into force on 1 January 2009 but the results of the Irish referendum are jeopardizing this schedule. However, the analysis of the impact of the Lisbon treaty remains unchanged. The institutional innovations introduced by this new treaty should have a significant impact on the relationships between the European Union and the Ministry of Defence (MOD). Indeed, the latter will be affected both by the deepening of Europe’s defence dimension and by the modification of the arrangements concerning the elaboration and control of the implementation of European legislation applicable to the Ministry’s activities.
Towards a New Institutional Balance
A Renewed Institutional Dialogue
Within the new institutional ‘square’ made up of the European Council, the Council of the European Union, the European Parliament and the Commission, the changes introduced by the Lisbon treaty can be read in the light of three points.(1)
First, more effective decision-making. This objective is reached in particular through a strengthening of the role of the European Council as the Union’s driving force. Moreover, the creation of stable presidencies (a President of the European Council and a High Representative for the Foreign Affairs Council) should give the Union an identifiable face. They should facilitate relationships with third countries. In addition, reducing the number of European Commissioners, relaxing the rules on qualified majority voting, constructive abstention and blocking minorities, should also help to improve the efficiency of the European decision-making process.
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