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 Lisbon Treaty is an ‘amending’ Treaty – in other words, it changes the existing Treaties that govern how the EU works, rather than replacing them.

The Lisbon Treaty streamlines the rules originally drawn up when the EU had fewer members. Since 2004, 12 more countries have joined the EU – nearly doubling its membership from 15 to 27.

Why does the Lisbon Treaty matter?

The Lisbon Treaty matters - because how well the European Union performs as an organisation affects the daily lives of everyone in the United Kingdom.  Reform of the EU's institutions and working practices is needed to ensure that it can continue to function effectively.

The UK Government supports the Treaty. It contains sensible changes to the current Treaties to modernise the way the EU works.

When the EU works well, it can help us achieve the things we all want - more jobs, more opportunities, a safer and more open society, and greater influence for the UK on the big issues of the day.

Lisbon Treaty in detail

What the Lisbon Treaty will do:

• A bigger role for national parliaments
• Greater transparency of what the EU can or cannot do
• A greater focus on global challenges
• More streamlined EU institutions
• A full-time President of the European Council
• A High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy
• More majority voting

Read more about what the Lisbon Treaty will do

What the Lisbon Treaty won't do:

• It will not create a European super-state. 
• The UK won't lose it's UN seat. 
• It won't take away control over our foreign policy. 
• The UK won't lose control of its borders.

Read more Lisbon Treaty myths

The Lisbon Treaty in Parliament

In the UK , the EU (Amendment) Bill received Royal Assent on 19th June 2008, and the UK government ratified the Treaty on 16 July. The UK was the 19th EU country to complete Parliamentary approval of the Lisbon Treaty. This followed detailed debate on the Treaty in Parliament over 25 days; both Houses voted strongly in favour at every stage.

For more information on the EU (Amendment) Bill debates in Parliament, see the Parliament website Bills and Legislation section.

What happens next?

The Lisbon Treaty cannot come into force until it has been ratified by all 27 EU Member States.

Following a ‘No’ vote in the referendum on the Lisbon Treaty held in Ireland on 13 June 2008, the Irish government  asked for time to consider the implications of the public vote. The Taoiseach of the Irish Republic, Brian Cowen, will report to the European Council in October 2008 on the next steps.

At the European Council in Brussels on 19-20 June 2008, the leaders of the 27 Member States agreed that the countries still to ratify the Treaty will continue to do so.

Read the Foreign Secretary’s statement to Parliament on the Lisbon Treaty, 16 June 2008