The European Union and the Treaty of Lisbon

With this cursory description of the European Council prior to the Treaty of Lisbon, this Essay turns to the major changes produced by that treaty. Space considerations require a limited focus. Part I discusses the impact of the European Council's new status as one of the institutions of the European Union ("EU"). Part II considers its designated power to take by qualified majority vote many important legally-binding decisions.

Part III reviews two of its major roles: deciding when the Treaties should be amended and setting the procedure for amendment, and determining the timing and terms of accession of candidate nations. Part IV discusses the status and role of the new President of the European Council.