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In the European Union the balance of power between Brussels and the Member State governments is an ongoing matter of contention. With each treaty amendment during the Union's first 50 years, EU competences have grown, and each time critics have questioned whether the national governments are being weakened. The Treaty of Lisbon is now being considered as a replacement for the ill-fated European Constitution, and the atmosphere is one of heightened sensitivity. This timely book examines the Lisbon Treaty to determine whether the current 'dividing lines' between Member State and Union authority will be affected. Taking a broad view of what the EU is and what its members are trying to accomplish collectively, the author contrasts these aspirations for Europe with the insistence of each Member State that it must never lose its national sovereignty.
List of contents
Another Treaty Amendment.- The Debate Over Form - What is The EU?.- The Genesis of The Lisbon Treaty.- From Treaties to Constitution and Back - A Contrast in Design.- An Overview of The Lisbon Treaty's Significant Innovations.- What are The Dividing Lines?.- Notable Changes That May Affect The EU's Dividing Lines.- The Character of the EU.- Values and Objectives.- The EU's State-Like Attributes.- The EU as A Democracy.- A Malleable Entity.- Amending The Treaties - The Unanimity Requirement.- Principles Underlying EU Action.- Institutions and Decision-Making.- The EU Institutions and Organs.- Instruments and Procedures Available to The EU.- Where QMV Replaces Unanimous Voting or Applies to New Subjects.- The Subject Matters of EU Activity.- The Area of Freedom, Security and Justice.- The Union's Internal Activities and External Action.- Conclusion.- Conclusion.
About the author
Stephen C. Sieberson is an Assistant Professor of Law at Creighton University School of Law.
Summary
In the European Union the balance of power between Brussels and the Member State governments is an ongoing matter of contention. With each treaty amendment during the Union's first 50 years, EU competences have grown, and each time critics have questioned whether the national governments are being weakened. The Treaty of Lisbon is now being considered as a replacement for the ill-fated European Constitution, and the atmosphere is one of heightened sensitivity. This timely book examines the Lisbon Treaty to determine whether the current 'dividing lines' between Member State and Union authority will be affected. Taking a broad view of what the EU is and what its members are trying to accomplish collectively, the author contrasts these aspirations for Europe with the insistence of each Member State that it must never lose its national sovereignty.
