The European Council (EC) will hold a summit on June 18 and 19 on the successful completion of the ratification of the Treaty of Lisbon. This will take place after the upcoming European Parliament elections.
The Treaty of Lisbon, if ratified, would create several institutional changes in the European Union (EU), including the creation of a president of the EU, and a new foreign policy position. It is seen as a way for the EU to move forward, but is not without its critics.
During the last session of parliament on May 5 under the Czech presidency, the Czech Deputy Prime Minister of European Affairs Alexandr Vondra opened a debate concerning the institutional problems of the EU. He expressed optimism about the ongoing efforts to reach a compromise that would give Ireland the necessary guarantees on important issues for the country so that it can ratify the Lisbon Treaty.
Alexandr Vondra argued further that during the meeting in June, the European Council will have to discuss issues for better monitoring and regulation of financial institutions. Measures to maintain the real economy and employment, and preparation of the Summit in Copenhagen on climate change will also have to be discussed. Other topics of the Council will be the Eastern Partnership and high-level meetings with Japan and Canada.
European Commission President José Manuel Barroso discussed the forthcoming European elections. He expressed the opinion that they are possibility to “renew our values” and share the hope that all citizens will understand why it is so important to vote. “We must speak clearly and convincingly about the results that Europe has achieved so far,” he added.
The Treaty of Lisbon, if ratified, would create several institutional changes in the European Union (EU), including the creation of a president of the EU, and a new foreign policy position. It is seen as a way for the EU to move forward, but is not without its critics.
During the last session of parliament on May 5 under the Czech presidency, the Czech Deputy Prime Minister of European Affairs Alexandr Vondra opened a debate concerning the institutional problems of the EU. He expressed optimism about the ongoing efforts to reach a compromise that would give Ireland the necessary guarantees on important issues for the country so that it can ratify the Lisbon Treaty.
Alexandr Vondra argued further that during the meeting in June, the European Council will have to discuss issues for better monitoring and regulation of financial institutions. Measures to maintain the real economy and employment, and preparation of the Summit in Copenhagen on climate change will also have to be discussed. Other topics of the Council will be the Eastern Partnership and high-level meetings with Japan and Canada.
European Commission President José Manuel Barroso discussed the forthcoming European elections. He expressed the opinion that they are possibility to “renew our values” and share the hope that all citizens will understand why it is so important to vote. “We must speak clearly and convincingly about the results that Europe has achieved so far,” he added.
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