Transcript The Treaty of Lisbon versus the Lisbon Strategy

Did you know?
What is the difference between
the Treaty of Lisbon
and the Lisbon Strategy?
The Treaty of Lisbon
• The Treaty of Lisbon (initially known as the
Reform Treaty) is a treaty that was signed by EU
leaders on 13 December 2007. It replaces the failed
Constitutional Treaty and amends the current EU
and EC treaties (without replacing them).
• After a long ratification
process, the Lisbon Treaty is
expected to finally enter into
force on 1 December, 2009.
The Treaty of Lisbon – what it does
The Treaty’s provisions at a glance:
•A more democratic and transparent Europe (strengthened role for the
European Parliament; greater involvement of national parliaments; stronger voice
for citizens; recognition of the possibility for a Member State to withdraw)
• A more efficient Europe (extension of qualified majority voting to new policy
areas; creation of the office of President of the European Council; increase in EU’s
competency to act in policy areas such as energy policy, public health, civil
protection, climate change etc.)
• A Europe of rights and values, freedom, solidarity and security
(Charter of Fundamental Rights to enter European primary law; greater solidarity if
a Member State is the victim of a terrorist attack or a natural or man-made disaster)
• Europe as an actor on the global stage (new High Representative for the
EU in Foreign Affairs and Security Policy; new European External Action Service;
Progress in European Security and Defence Policy)
The Lisbon Strategy
*Also called Lisbon Agenda or
Strategy for Growth & Jobs
http://ec.europa.eu/growthandjobs
• The Lisbon
Strategy* was
adopted by the
European Council
on 23-24 March
2000 to create a
more dynamic and
knowledge-based
EU economy
The Lisbon Strategy – its aims
Three pillar strategy:
Economic:
Social:
Environmental:
create a
competitive,
dynamic,
knowledgebased economy
(focus on
research and
development)
modernize the
European social
model
(invest in
human
resources and
combat social
exclusion)
Economic growth
to be decoupled
from the use of
natural resources
The Lisbon Strategy – has it worked?
• Initial results disappointing, Lisbon re-launched in 2005
with clearer focus
• Structural reforms now contributing to better economic
performance in Europe (higher productivity and
employment rates), but more reforms needed, e.g. to cope
with ageing
The Lisbon Strategy – what comes next?
After 2010, an amended
Lisbon strategy for growth
and jobs will focus on
overcoming the recession
and transforming the EU
into a more sustainable,
greener and more
innovative economy.
Why is this important for the Euro Challenge?
• The Lisbon Treaty
relates to the institutional structure of
the EU and is important for gaining a thorough background
understanding of the workings of the EU
• The Lisbon Strategy explicitly refers to the EU’s economic
goals and as such may be used as a benchmark when
analyzing the actual economic situation within the euro area
* Hint: You’ll probably want to focus more on the
LISBON STRATEGY!