Lisbon Treaty - Next Step in European Integration

Much discussed and yet I am sure still arguable question is security and defence. Although decisions on defence issues continue to need unanimous approval of the 27 EU Member States and it is stated that Lisbon Treaty doesn’t create a European Army, The Lisbon Treaty creates the extension of the EU’s role in disarmament operations, military advice and assistance. It also creates the possibility of enhanced cooperation between Member States that wish to work together more closely in the area of defence. Irish are dissatisfied with the fact Lisbon Treaty demands increased military spending, and organises an EU armaments industry under the newly formed European Defence Agency.6
There are also major changes in the fields of justice and crime, social policy, cooperation areas, human rights and lots of minor changes in The Treaty of Lisbon.
I really hope that Lisbon Treaty will make the EU more democratic, efficient and transparent in future, however if looking from today’s economic crisis viewpoint we can see that world still impacts every EU member state individually and countries are more fighting for themselves than for “common European interest”.
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