The Treaty of Lisbon

The Treaty of Lisbon, signed in 2007 and effective from 2009, is an agreement that updated the functioning of the European Union (EU). It aimed to enhance efficiency and democratic legitimacy within the EU by introducing changes such as a more powerful European Parliament, a permanent presidency of the European Council, and streamlined decision-making processes. The treaty also emphasized fundamental rights and established a more cohesive foreign policy. Overall, it sought to make the EU more responsive to the needs of its member states and citizens.