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’s provisions at a glance: 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)

Strategy for Growth & Jobs The Lisbon Strategy The Lisbon Strategy* was adopted by the European Council on 23-24 March 2000 to create a more dynamic and knowledge-based EU economy *Also called Lisbon Agenda or Strategy for Growth & Jobs http://ec.europa.eu/growthandjobs

Three pillar strategy: The Lisbon Strategy – its aims Three pillar strategy: Economic: create a competitive, dynamic, knowledge-based economy (focus on research and development) Social: modernize the European social model (invest in human resources and combat social exclusion) Environmental: 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!