ABSTRACT

The Lisbon treaty is the final result of a prolonged search for a more efficient and democratic Union as well as a Union that should be more coherent in its external relations and foreign policies. The Lisbon Treaty introduced numerous institutional changes, all expected to have some impact. The Lisbon Treaty means more 'pooling and delegation' of sovereignty, and the extension of co-decision also means further empowerment of the European Parliament. The powers of the European Commission have increased with the Lisbon Treaty in some ways. The Lisbon Treaty has increased the possibility of some Member States going ahead without waiting for the minimalists or laggards. Those who favour increased capacity for action of the EU can hope that there will be a convergence of interests among the Member States. Interaction, actor socialization and learning processes may gradually produce collective European identities among policy decision-makers in Europe.