[FR] The Lisbon Treaty one year on: Institutional innovations and political potential

Note by Gaëtane Ricard-Nihoul and Nicolas Leron for the Jean Jaurès Foundation.

The Treaty of Lisbon has passed its first anniversary. This note outlines an initial assessment of the institutional innovations and the new balance of powers that it has created. The main challenge now lies in the politicisation of the Union and its institutions, which is the only possible response to the legitimacy deficit.

After nine long years of difficult negotiations, the Treaty of Lisbon entered into force just over a year ago. The numerous and significant institutional reforms are changing the balance of power at the heart of the Union. The European Council and the intergovernmental method that goes with it are asserting themselves, the Parliament is gaining in power and increasingly acting as a counterweight to the Council, and the Commission appears weakened and is seeking a new role.