What is the Lisbon Treaty?

The Lisbon Treaty introduces a number of changes to the way the European Union works which will make it more effective and better able to deliver for its citizens. The membership of the EU has grown in recent years, with 12 new countries joining since 2004. So the rules governing how the EU works need to be streamlined and updated to reflect this. Rather than replacing the existing Treaties, Lisbon makes a number of sensible changes to modernise the way the EU works.

Why does the Lisbon Treaty matter?

The Lisbon Treaty matters because the effectiveness of the EU makes a difference to the daily lives of everyone in the UK.  When the EU works well, it can help us achieve the things we all want: more jobs, more opportunities and greater influence for the UK on global issues. Lisbon will also mean a bigger role for national parliaments in EU decision-making. The UK Government strongly supports the Treaty.  Both Houses of Parliament in the UK have debated the Treaty; both Houses voted strongly in favour at every stage of the debate.

See What the Lisbon Treaty will do for more detail.

When will the Treaty be introduced?

Before the Lisbon Treaty can come into force, it has to be formally ratified by all 27 EU Member States. Ireland’s constitution required a public vote or referendum to be held to ratify the Treaty (Ireland was the only country to hold a referendum on the Treaty.)  Following the rejection of the Treaty by Irish voters in a referendum in June 2008, EU leaders agreed legal guarantees to address the concerns of people in Ireland.  These do not change the Lisbon Treaty: they are assurances about what the Treaty does and doesn’t do in specific areas. A second referendum, held in Ireland on 2 October 2009, saw voters approve the Treaty with a 'yes' vote of more than 60%.

Once all EU members including Ireland complete the ratification process, the Lisbon Treaty can come into force. At the earliest, this could be in November 2009.