118-683: The Treaty on the European Union (2007) is one of the primary Treaties of the European Union , alongside the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU). The TEU forms the basis of EU law , by setting out general principles of the EU's purpose, the governance of its central institutions (such as the Commission, Parliament, and Council), as well as the rules on external, foreign and security policy. While
236-471: A legal personality for the EU. Article 48 deals with the method of treaty amendment; specifically the ordinary and simplified revision procedures. Article 49 deals with applications to join the EU and article 50 with withdrawal . Article 51 deals with the protocols attached to the treaties and article 52 with the geographic application of the treaty. Article 53 states the treaty is in force for an unlimited period, article 54 deals with ratification and 55 with
354-516: A "process of creating an ever closer union among the peoples of Europe", and lays out the legal value of the treaties. Article 2 states that the EU is "founded on the values of respect for human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, the rule of law and respect for human rights, including the rights of persons belonging to minorities". The member states share a "society in which pluralism, non-discrimination, tolerance, justice, solidarity and equality between women and men prevail". Article 3 then states
472-453: A big change compared with the current situation. It would put an end to the double job which exists between the current function of Mr Javier Solana, and that carried out within the Commission by Mme Benita Ferrero-Waldner, in charge of the external aid of the EU. One and the same person would therefore deal with problems and respond to the famous telephone calls of Henry Kissinger: ‘ I want to speak to Europe.' " The High Representative
590-449: A decade since they each came into force, the latest being the Treaty of Lisbon which came into force in 2009. The Lisbon Treaty also made the Charter of Fundamental Rights legally binding, though it remains a separate document. Following the preamble the treaty text is divided into six parts. The first deals with common provisions. Article 1 establishes the European Union on the basis of
708-409: A defence meeting to attend the inauguration of Ukraine's Prime Minister alleged bias towards British officials, lack of language skills and risking a UK-French feud over creating an EU military planning headquarters. She has been defended by some, including Commissioner Günther Oettinger , on the ground that she has had to take on a job that combines three previous jobs and is working on establishing
826-530: A legal personality does not entitle the EU to act beyond its competencies. Declaration 43 allows Mayotte to change to the status of outermost region . As well as the two main treaties, their protocols and the Charter of Fundamental Rights; the Treaty Establishing a European Atomic Energy Community (Euratom) is still in force as a separate treaty. Title one outlines the tasks of Euratom. Title two contains
944-531: A limited number of member states to co-operate within the EU if others are blocking integration in that field. Chapter 1 of this title includes articles 21 and 22. Article 21 deals with the principles that outline EU foreign policy; including compliance with the UN charter , promoting global trade, humanitarian support and global governance. Article 22 gives the European Council, acting unanimously, control over defining
1062-428: A limited number of member states to co-operate within the EU if others are blocking integration in that field. Chapter 1 of this title includes articles 21 and 22. Article 21 deals with the principles that outline EU foreign policy; including compliance with the UN charter , promoting global trade, humanitarian support and global governance. Article 22 gives the European Council, acting unanimously, control over defining
1180-616: A low-water mark of the CFSP . Solana operated as a "quiet diplomat", and found himself frequently pushed to the side in negotiations and sent on missions known to be impossible. Solana has played an important role working toward a resolution to the Israeli–Palestinian conflict , and continues to be a primary architect of the " Road map for Peace ", along with the UN, Russia, and the United States in
1298-586: A national referendum rejected membership, leading Norway to abandon their ratification of the treaty of accession. The first treaty was signed in Brussels on 22 January 1972 and the second in Corfu on 24 June 1994. The European Constitution was a treaty that would have repealed and consolidated all previous overlapping treaties (except the Euratom treaty) into a single document. It also made changes to voting systems, simplified
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#17328479568831416-521: A new candidate. After numerous candidates were put forward, EU leaders agreed on Catherine Ashton from the United Kingdom as the first merged High Representative. Ashton was previously the European Commissioner for Trade and otherwise had no foreign affairs experience. Ashton unexpectedly came to the top of the shortlist when she was nominated unanimously by the centre-left leaders who claimed
1534-511: A nuclear material enrichment freeze with Iran. In the same month he was involved in mediating between the two presidential candidates in the post-election developments in Ukraine, and on 21 January 2005 he invited Ukraine's new President Viktor Yushchenko to discuss future EU membership. Although Solana was originally selected to be the first Foreign Minister, the delays in introducing the post meant that after 10 years of service he stood aside for
1652-507: A number of member states, following a "period of reflection", the constitution in that form was scrapped and replaced by the Treaty of Lisbon . Although not formally part of European Union law , several closely related treaties have been signed outside the framework of the EU and its predecessors between the member states because the EU lacked authority to act in the field. After the EU obtained such autonomy, many of these conventions were gradually replaced by EU instruments. Following on from
1770-471: A problem for the EEAS, when it comes to public diplomacy, and reflects the system we have for choosing leaders. Too often, the EEAS is waiting until the last member state signs up to the position; they could set out a view much earlier. When you look at places like Egypt – Cathy has been five times, but people are still not quite sure what the EEAS does or who speaks for Europe. The glass is less than half full. I think
1888-463: A subset of EU member states due to a lack of unanimity. The Schengen Treaty and Convention of 1985 and 1990 respectively were agreed to in this manner, but were subsequently incorporated into EU law by the Amsterdam Treaty with the remaining EU member states that had not signed the treaty being given an opt-out from implementing it. Others agreements signed as intergovernmental treaties outside
2006-783: A treaty for a European Political Community to ensure democratic accountability of the new army, but it was abandoned when the Defence Community treaty was rejected. Other early examples include the Statute of the European School of 1957, the Naples Convention of 1967 on customs cooperation, the Brussels Convention of 1968 on jurisdiction in civil matters, the Convention setting up a European University Institute on 1972 and
2124-655: A vice-president but less than the Commission President) of the highest grade of the EU civil service (grade 16, step 3), which works out at €23,006.98. There are other allowances on top of that as all other conditions of employment for the High Representative are aligned to that of the Commission. The Amsterdam Treaty introduced the post of High Representative of the Common Foreign and Security Policy to represent
2242-458: Is appointed by the European Council acting by qualified majority. However, in order to take up their role in the Commission, in particular as a vice-president, the High Representative has to appear before Parliament for questioning and then be subject to Parliament's vote of approval on the proposed Commission. The basic monthly salary of the High Representative is fixed at 130% (higher than
2360-571: Is discrete and perceptive, but also tenacious. That makes her an ideal negotiator", says Alexander Graf Lamsdorff, the head of Germany's business-friendly Free Democratic Party (FDP) in the European Parliament and a member of its Committee on Foreign Affairs. After the November 2013 negotiation of an interim agreement with Iran over its nuclear program,. the Financial Times wrote that Ashton
2478-413: Is enacted by a protocol attached to the treaties), immunities and the effect on treaties signed before 1958 or the date of accession. There are 37 protocols, 2 annexes and 65 declarations that are attached to the treaties to elaborate details, often in connection with a single country, without being in the full legal text. There are 65 declarations attached to the EU treaties. As examples, these include
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#17328479568832596-572: Is then signed by all the national leaders and ratified by each state. While this is the procedure that has been used for all treaties prior to the Lisbon Treaty, an actual European Convention (essentially, a constitutional convention ) has only been called twice. First in the drafting of the Charter of Fundamental Rights with the European Convention of 1999–2000 . Second with the Convention on
2714-602: The Financial Times among other European newspapers reported that her nomination proposal had been opposed by some eastern European countries, including Latvia, Estonia, Lithuania and Poland, where her stance towards Russia concerning the Ukrainian crisis was considered to be too soft. Nonetheless, on 2 August 2014, Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi formally nominated her by letter to EC President-elect Jean-Claude Juncker , as Italy's official candidate for EU Commissioner. On 30 August, Europe's socialist Prime Ministers met prior to
2832-471: The Cologne European Council as Council Secretary-General and High Representative. He took up the post on 18 October 1999, shortly after standing down from NATO. The post had a budget of €40 million, most of which goes to Balkan operations. During his tenure, the position was expanded rapidly, with several more functions combined into the function of High Representative. From 25 November 1999 he
2950-543: The EU delegations . Article 222, the Solidarity clause states that members shall come to the aid of a fellow member who is subject to a terrorist attack, natural disaster or man-made disaster. This includes the use of military force. Part 6 elaborates on the institutional provisions in the Treaty on European Union. As well as elaborating on the structures, articles 288 to 299 outline the forms of legislative acts and procedures of
3068-460: The European Council to unanimously agree to change the applicable voting procedure in the Council of Ministers to QMV and to change legislation adoption procedure from a special to the ordinary legislative procedure, provided that no national parliament objects. This procedure cannot be used for areas which have defence implications. The fourth amendment procedure is for changing status of some of
3186-507: The European Ombudsman and to contact and receive a reply from EU institutions in their own language. Article 25 requires the commission to report on the implementation of these rights every three years. Part 3 on policies and actions is divided by area into the following titles: the internal market ; the free movement of goods, including the customs union ; agriculture and fisheries ; free movement of people, services and capital ;
3304-722: The Europol Convention of 1995 establishing Europol , the PFI Convention of 1995 on fraud, the Customs Information System Convention of 1995, the Insolvency Convention of 1995, the Convention relating to extradition of 1996, the convention on the fight against corruption of 1997, the Service Convention of 1997 on the service of documents, the convention on matrimonial matters of 1998,
3422-494: The Foreign Affairs Council and representing the EU in international fora, roles which were previously exercised by the foreign minister of the country holding the presidency of the European Union (along with the foreign minister of the country previously holding the presidency and the one to take it next). Despite the name change, many parts of the media still referred to it as a foreign minister and in negotiations it
3540-674: The Quartet on the Middle East . On 22 July 2004, he met Ariel Sharon in Israel. Sharon had originally refused to meet him, but eventually accepted that the EU was involved in the Road Map. Solana criticised Israel for obstructing the Palestinian presidential election of 9 January 2005, but then met Sharon again on 13 January. In November 2004 he assisted the United Kingdom, France and Germany in negotiating
3658-977: The Treaty Establishing the European Stability Mechanism of 2012 establishing the European Stability Mechanism , the European Fiscal Compact of 2012 on fiscal rules in the eurozone , the Agreement on a Unified Patent Court of 2013 establishing the Unified Patent Court , and the Single Resolution Fund Agreement of 2014 establishing the Single Resolution Fund . However, all these agreements are open to accession by EU member states. The text of
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3776-537: The Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (originally signed in Rome in 1957 as the Treaty establishing the European Economic Community i.e. The Treaty of Rome), lay out how the EU operates, and there are a number of satellite treaties which are interconnected with them. The treaties have been repeatedly amended by other treaties over the 65 years since they were first signed. The consolidated version of
3894-422: The special member state territories . The status of French, Dutch and Danish overseas territories can be changed more easily, by no longer requiring a full treaty revision. Instead, the European Council may, on the initiative of the member state concerned, change the status of an overseas country or territory (OCT) to an outermost region (OMR) or vice versa. This provision doesn't apply to special territories of
4012-707: The "barbaric and terrorist attack" by Hamas on Israel which started the 2023 Israel–Hamas war . On 10 October 2023, Borrell accused Israel of breaking international law by imposing a total blockade of the Gaza Strip . On 3 January 2024, he condemned the comments of the Israeli ministers Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich , writing, "Forced displacements are strictly prohibited as a grave violation of [international humanitarian law] & words matter." On 29 January 2024, Borrell told UN Secretary-General António Guterres that funding toward UNRWA has not been suspended and
4130-799: The Agreement on the simplification and modernization of extradition requests of 1989, the Dublin Convention of 1990 on asylum, the Arbitration convention of 1990 on double taxation , the Maintenance Convention of 1990, the Transfer of Criminal Proceedings Agreement of 1990, the Convention on the Enforcement of Foreign Criminal Sentences of 1991, the Eurovignette Agreement of 1994, and
4248-496: The Commission) including security initiatives and intelligence sharing. However, although the High Representative may prepare initiatives, decisions will still have to be taken by the member states in Council. The High Representative would also have to report to Parliament. With the growth in role of the High Representative, and their exclusion from the European Council, the national foreign ministers are now uncertain of their role vs
4366-527: The Common Foreign and Security Policy and, under the European Constitution , had been designated to be titled the Union Minister for Foreign Affairs . This latter title, as EU Foreign Minister is still applied by commentators and sections of the media as a publicly recognisable shorthand for the post. The style High Representative equates to that of High Commissioner in diplomatic circles. Since
4484-626: The Constitution failed to be ratified, its replacement, the Treaty of Lisbon, retained the change under a different name. The new High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy would still merge the External Relations Commissioner with the High Representative and, like the Constitution, would have it backed up by an External Action Service . The new role also took over other foreign affairs roles, such as chairing
4602-714: The Convention Defining the Statute of the European Schools of 1994. Additionally, the convention on mutual recognition of companies and legal persons was signed in 1968 but never entered into force. Likewise, the Community Patent Convention of 1975 and the Agreement relating to Community patents of 1989, which amended the 1975 Convention never entered into force. Article K.3 of the Maastricht Treaty , which entered into force in 1993, authorised
4720-637: The EEAS on 1 December 2010 at a low key event where she outlined her key priorities as relations with the US and China, climate change, poverty eradication, crisis management and counter-terrorism. Following the 2010 Haiti earthquake , Ashton chaired a meeting of the foreign relations, development and environment DGs and experts from the Council and the Situation Centre (the EU intelligence-gathering agency). There they agreed on €3 million in aid, to look for further financial assistance, to send personnel to assess
4838-466: The EEAS so she is unable to take on everything at once, nor please everyone. Despite early Spanish assistance during 2010, Ashton did find herself competing with the Spanish foreign minister on who was going to be speaking for the EU and the need to find consensus between the member states and institutions pushed back the expected operational date of the EEAS from spring 2010 to December 2010. In contrast to
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4956-656: The EU . Articles 300 to 309 establish the European Economic and Social Committee , the Committee of the Regions and the European Investment Bank . Articles 310 to 325 outline the EU budget . Finally, articles 326 to 334 establishes provision for enhanced co-operation . Part 7 deals with final legal points, such as territorial and temporal application, the seat of institutions (to be decided by member states, but this
5074-755: The EU at international fora and co-ordinating the Common Foreign and Security Policy and the Common Security and Defence Policy , the High Representative is: According to proposals made in 2009 by the Swedish EU presidency, the High Representative will control the staffing and budget of the EEAS , and propose the size of budget to be allocated. The High Representative is responsible for appointing EEAS staff and for controlling general foreign policy (outside of trade, development and enlargement which has to be made together with
5192-620: The EU legal framework include the EU status of forces agreement of 2003, the EU claims agreement of 2004, the Treaty of Strasbourg of 2004 establishing the Eurocorps , the Treaty of Velsen of 2007 establishing the European Gendarmerie Force , the Prüm Convention of 2005 on the fight against terrorism, the convention on centralised customs clearance of 2009, the Agreement on the protection of classified information of 2011,
5310-527: The EU on the world stage. It was decided that the Secretary-General of the Council would be the High Representative. This meant that the Secretary-General at the time, Jürgen Trumpf , was the first High Representative, although he only served for a few months. The first permanent High Representative was Javier Solana Madariaga , former Secretary General of NATO . He was appointed on 4 July 1999 at
5428-625: The EU shall respect the status of religious, philosophical and non-confessional organisations under national law. The second part begins with article 18 which outlaws, within the limitations of the treaties, discrimination on the basis of nationality. Article 19 states the EU will "combat discrimination based on sex, racial or ethnic origin, religion or belief, disability, age or sexual orientation". Articles 20 to 24 establishes EU citizenship and accords rights to it; to free movement, consular protection from other states, vote and stand in local and European elections , right to petition Parliament and
5546-467: The EU will determine funding decisions after the investigation. Borrell stated, "We shouldn’t let allegations cloud UNRWA’s indispensable and great work." In March 2024, Borrell said Israel's depriving food from Palestinians was a serious violation of international humanitarian law, and described the Al-Rashid humanitarian aid incident as "totally unacceptable carnage". Following the International Court of Justice advisory opinion on Israel's occupation of
5664-403: The EU's fight against terrorism. He has negotiated numerous Treaties of Association between the European Union and various Middle Eastern and Latin American countries, including Bolivia and Colombia. Solana played a pivotal role in unifying the remainder of the former Yugoslavian federation. He proposed that Montenegro form a union with Serbia instead of having full independence, stating that this
5782-445: The EU's foreign policy. Chapter 2 is further divided into sections. The first, common provisions, details the guidelines and functioning of the EU's foreign policy, including establishment of the European External Action Service and member state's responsibilities. Section 2, articles 42 to 46, deal with military co-operation (including mutual defence). On 17 November 2015, France called other member states for military assistance, on
5900-423: The EU's foreign policy. Chapter 2 is further divided into sections. The first, common provisions, details the guidelines and functioning of the EU's foreign policy, including establishment of the European External Action Service and member state's responsibilities. Section 2, articles 42 to 46, deal with military cooperation (including Permanent Structured Cooperation and mutual defence). Article 47 establishes
6018-445: The European Communities to "draw up conventions which it shall recommend to the Member States for adoption in accordance with their respective constitutional requirements" under the newly created Justice and Home Affairs pillar , which was organised on an intergovernmental basis. Concluded under these provisions were the Naples II Convention of 1997 on customs cooperation, the conventions on simplified extradition procedures of 1995,
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#17328479568836136-471: The European Community and lays out the legal value of the treaties. The second article states that the EU is "founded on the values of respect for human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, the rule of law and respect for human rights, including the rights of persons belonging to minorities". The member states share a "society in which pluralism, non-discrimination, tolerance, justice, solidarity and equality between women and men prevail". Article 3 then states
6254-408: The European Council. The President of the European Council can then either call a European Convention (composed of national governments, national parliamentarians, MEPs and representatives from the Commission ) to draft the changes or draft the proposals in the European Council itself if the change is minor. They then proceed with an Intergovernmental Conference (IGC) which agrees the treaty which
6372-540: The European Union and the European Convention on Human Rights . Article 7 deals with the suspension of a member state and article 8 deals with establishing close relations with neighbouring states. Article 9 establishes the equality of national citizens and citizenship of the European Union . Article 10 declares that the EU is founded in representative democracy and that decisions must be taken as closely as possible to citizens. It makes reference to European political parties and how citizens are represented: directly in
6490-540: The European Union and the European Convention on Human Rights . Article 7 deals with the suspension of a member state and article 8 deals with establishing close relations with neighbouring states. Article 9 establishes the equality of national citizens and citizenship of the European Union . Article 10 declares that the EU is founded in representative democracy and that decisions must be taken as closely as possible to citizens. It makes reference to European political parties and how citizens are represented: directly in
6608-489: The Future of Europe which drafted the Constitutional Treaty (which then formed the basis of the Lisbon Treaty). Previously, treaties had been drafted by civil servants. The simplified revision procedure , which applies only to part three of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union and cannot increase the powers of the EU, sees changes simply agreed in the European Council by a decision before being ratified by each state. The amendment to article 136 TFEU makes use of
6726-460: The High Representative for the common foreign and security policy." Thus, Javier Solana became the first permanent High Representative. Initially the post was much more limited in scope than the present one created in 2009 by the Treaty of Lisbon . The European Constitution proposed to merge the European Commissioner for External Relations with the High Representative to create a Union Minister for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy . Although
6844-504: The High Representative is ex officio a Vice-President of the European Commission, the office-holder is sometimes referred to as the HR/VP . Where foreign matters are agreed between EU member states , the High Representative can speak for the EU in that area, such as negotiating on behalf of the member states. The Representative co-ordinates the work of the European Union Special Representatives as well as other appointments such as anti-terrorist co-ordinator. Beside representing
6962-443: The High Representative. At an informal meeting in Finland it was mooted that they could serve as special envoys on the High Representative's behalf. This has been backed by Ashton who said that so long as the EU spoke with one voice, it did not matter who was speaking. The post was introduced under the Treaty of Amsterdam . The Treaty stated that the Secretary-General of the Council of the European Union should have "the function of
7080-425: The Palestinian territories , Borrell stated that international law is 'binding', and called for the EU foreign ministers to "to move on from words to deeds" regarding Israel's failure to comply with international legality in Gaza and the West Bank. The Treaty on European Union , as amended by the Treaty of Lisbon, provides in Article 15(2) : The European Council shall consist of the Heads of State or Government of
7198-402: The Parliament and by their governments in the Council and European Council – accountable to national parliaments . Article 11 establishes government transparency, declares that broad consultations must be made and introduces provision for a petition where at least 1 million citizens may petition the Commission to legislate on a matter. Article 12 gives national parliaments limited involvement in
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#17328479568837316-463: The Prum Convention, Fiscal Compact and Single Resolution Fund Agreement state that the intention of the signatories is to incorporate the treaty's provisions into EU structures and that EU law should take precedence over the treaty. A TFEU amendment was ratified which authorises the creation of the ESM, giving it a legal basis in the EU treaties. High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy The High Representative of
7434-473: The Spanish position, in 2011 Polish foreign minister Radek Sikorski said he would act as Ashton's "loyal deputy". Secretary General Pierre Vimont joined those defending Ashton from criticism; praising her work in opening the EEAS office in Benghazi , Libya as making the EEAS very popular in Libya. He also supported her over Syria and has asked her to stand for a second term. Polish Minister for Europe, Mikołaj Dowgielewicz , also stated criticism against Ashton
7552-415: The Team Europe aid package to support partner countries to address the pandemic and its economic consequences by providing an overall financial support of over €20 billion. "In this global pandemic, international solidarity is not just a matter of staying true to our values", Josep Borrell Fontelles, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy said. "It is also about making sure that we win
7670-429: The Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice-President of the European Commission ( HR/VP ) is the chief co-ordinator and representative of the Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP) within the European Union (EU). The position is currently held by Josep Borrell Fontelles . Former prime minister of Estonia Kaja Kallas is expected to succeed him in late 2024. The Treaty of Amsterdam had established
7788-428: The United Nations . The final sixth point states that the EU shall pursue these objectives by "appropriate means" according with its competences given in the treaties. Article 4 relates to member states' sovereignty and obligations. Article 5 sets out the principles of conferral , subsidiarity and proportionality with respect to the limits of its powers. Article 6 binds the EU to the Charter of Fundamental Rights of
7906-424: The United Nations . The final sixth point states that the EU shall pursue these objectives by "appropriate means" according with its competences given in the treaties. Article 4 relates to member states' sovereignty and obligations. Article 5 sets out the principles of conferral, subsidiarity and proportionality with respect to the limits of its powers. Article 6 binds the EU to the Charter of Fundamental Rights of
8024-403: The aims of the EU in six points. The first is simply to promote peace, European values and its citizens' well-being. The second relates to free movement with external border controls are in place. Point 3 deals with the internal market . Point 4 establishes the euro. Point 5 states the EU shall promote its values, contribute to eradicating poverty, observe human rights and respect the charter of
8142-399: The aims of the EU in six points. The first is simply to promote peace, European values and its citizens' well-being. The second relates to free movement with external border controls in place. Point 3 deals with the internal market . Point 4 establishes the euro. Point 5 states the EU shall promote its values, contribute to eradicating poverty, observe human rights and respect the charter of
8260-400: The amending Convention of 1992 to the EUI Convention, the Agreement on the Suppression of Terrorism of 1979, the Rome Convention of 1980 on contractual obligations, the Convention on double jeopardy of 1987, the Agreement on the application of the Council of Europe Convention on the Transfer of Sentenced Persons of 1987, the Convention abolishing the legalization of documents of 1987,
8378-770: The area of freedom, justice and security, including police and justice co-operation; transport policy; competition , taxation and harmonisation of regulations (note Article 101 and Article 102 ); economic and monetary policy , including articles on the euro; employment policy; the European Social Fund ; education, vocational training, youth and sport policies; cultural policy; public health; consumer protection; Trans-European Networks ; industrial policy; economic, social and territorial cohesion (reducing disparities in development); research and development and space policy ; environmental policy; energy policy ; tourism; civil protection; and administrative co-operation. Part 4 deals with association of overseas territories. Article 198 sets
8496-464: The basis of the Article 42. This was the first time the article had ever been applied and all of the member states were reported to respond in agreement. However at least one member state (Finland) made a conclusion that due to conflicting national law, military assistance was excluded. Article 47 establishes a legal personality for the EU. Article 48 deals with the method of treaty amendment; specifically
8614-585: The case of Norway , where the treaty was their accession treaty, the treaty (hence, their membership) was also abandoned. Treaties are also put before the European Parliament and while its vote is not binding, it is important; both the Belgian and Italian Parliaments said they would veto the Nice Treaty if the European Parliament did not approve it. The treaties contain a passerelle clause which allows
8732-597: The coming into force of the Treaty of Lisbon, was Catherine Ashton . Early in the first term of the post, the office-holder became assisted by the European External Action Service (EEAS) that was set up in December 2010. The formal title of the High Representative is "High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy". This post was previously styled as High Representative of
8850-464: The common commercial (external trade) policy of the EU. Articles 208 to 214 deal with cooperation on development and humanitarian aid for third countries. Article 215 deals with sanctions while articles 216 to 219 deal with procedures for establishing international treaties with third countries. Article 220 instructs the High Representative and Commission to engage in appropriate cooperation with other international organisations and article 221 establishes
8968-628: The convening of the European Council , at which she received the approval of the Party of European Socialists . On the same day the President Herman Van Rompuy announced that the European Council had decided to appoint the Italian Minister as its new High Representative, effective from 1 November 2014. At her first press conference, she declared that her efforts would be devoted to establishing discussions between Russia and Ukraine to solve
9086-589: The convention on driving disqualifications of 1998, and the convention on mutual assistance in criminal matters of 2000. Numerous protocols to these agreements have also been concluded. The JHA was integrated into the EC structures as the area of freedom, security and justice with the Lisbon Treaty 's entry into force in 2009, which has allowed a number of these Conventions to be replaced by EU Regulations or Decisions. Finally, several treaties have been concluded between
9204-399: The core of the treaty on how cooperation in the field is to take place. Title three outlines institutional provisions and has largely been subsumed by the European Union treaties. Title four is on financial provisions and title five on the general and title six is on final provisions. The treaties can be changed in three different ways. The ordinary revision procedure is essentially
9322-481: The country is no longer legally bound by them itself. This can only be altered by a future amendment to the treaties. The two principal treaties on which the EU is based are the Treaty on European Union (TEU; Maastricht Treaty , effective since 1993) and the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU; Treaty of Rome , effective since 1958). These main treaties (plus their attached protocols and declarations) have been altered by amending treaties at least once
9440-624: The crisis between the two countries. In 2015, Mogherini won praise for her role in negotiating the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action , an international agreement on the nuclear program of Iran , and along with Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif was the one to announce the accord to the world. In February 2015, the President of the European Commission Jean-Claude Juncker appointed Michel Barnier ,
9558-642: The criticism of Ashton is down to style and morale in the EEAS is not as good as it should be." Ashton chaired the meetings between the E3/EU+3 (P5+1 countries and the EU) and Iran in Geneva, which led to an interim agreement on 24 November 2013, and the Joint Plan of Action . The tone of public comment on Aston's performance in office was subsequently to be influenced especially by her contributions to negotiations over Kosovo and
9676-506: The current version of the TEU entered into force in 2009, following the Treaty of Lisbon (2007), the older form of the same document was implemented by the Maastricht Treaty (1992). After the preamble the consolidated treaty text is divided into six parts. The first deals with common provisions. Article 1 establishes the European Union, formally replacing the European Community, declares
9794-534: The different language versions of the treaties. The Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union goes into deeper detail on the role, policies and operation of the EU. It is split into seven parts. In principles, article 1 establishes the basis of the treaty and its legal value. Articles 2 to 6 outline the competencies of the EU according to the level of powers accorded in each area. Articles 7 to 14 set out social principles, articles 15 and 16 set out public access to documents and meetings and article 17 states that
9912-460: The fight against the virus together." "Unless the virus is defeated everywhere, it is not defeated. A global pandemic can only be solved globally, with united, swift and decisive global action, as we are presenting it today", Borrell Fontelles added. In the wake of the 18 February 2022 Russian declaration on L/DPR (the self-proclaimed Luhansk People's Republic and Donetsk People's Republic ), High Representative Borrell warned Moscow to return to
10030-463: The following. Declaration 1 affirms that the charter, gaining legal force, reaffirms rights under the European Convention and does not allow the EU to act beyond its conferred competencies. Declaration 4 allocates an extra MEP to Italy. Declaration 7 outlines Council voting procedures to become active after 2014. Declaration 17 asserts the primacy of EU law . Declaration 27 reasserts that holding
10148-675: The former EU Internal Market Commissioner, as his special advisor on defence and security. Juncker stated that Barnier's role will be to advise the European Commission and particularly the EUHRVP Federica Mogherini on important defence and security issues. Barnier's appointment came on the heels of the nomination of senior French diplomat Alain Le Roy as the new Secretary General of the European External Action Service (EEAS or EAS). In 2020, EU Development Ministers have launched
10266-571: The fulfilment of Henry Kissinger 's famous desire to have a phone number to talk to Europe. In December 2003 Solana released the European Security Strategy , which sets out the main priorities and identifies the main threats to the security of the EU, including terrorism. On 25 March 2004, Solana appointed Gijs de Vries as the anti-terrorist co-ordinator for the CFSP, and outlined de Vries's duties as being to streamline, organise and co-ordinate
10384-560: The geographic application of the treaty. Article 53 states the treaty is in force for an unlimited period, article 54 deals with ratification and 55 with the different language versions of the treaties. Treaties of the European Union The Treaties of the European Union are a set of international treaties between the European Union (EU) member states which sets out the EU's constitutional basis . They establish
10502-626: The legal inception of the European Union (EU)—the principal framework for this unification. The EU inherited many of its present responsibilities from the European Communities (EC), which were founded in the 1950s in the spirit of the Schuman Declaration . Legend for below table: [ Founding ] – [ Amending ] – [ Membership ] Norway applied to join the European Communities/Union on two occasions. Both times
10620-627: The legislative process. Article 13 establishes the institutions in the following order and under the following names: the European Parliament , the European Council , the Council , the European Commission , the Court of Justice of the European Union , the European Central Bank and the Court of Auditors . It obliges co-operation between these and limits their competencies to the powers within
10738-407: The legislative process. Article 13 establishes the institutions in the following order and under the following names: the European Parliament , the European Council , the Council , the European Commission , the Court of Justice of the European Union , the European Central Bank and the Court of Auditors . It obliges co-operation between these and limits their competencies to the powers within
10856-504: The most difficult moments of his job were when the United Kingdom and France, the two permanent EU Security Council members, were in disagreement . The so-called Vilnius letter , a declaration of support by eastern European countries for the United States' aim of régime change in Iraq, and the letter of the eight , a similar letter from the UK, Italy, and six second-tier countries, are generally seen as
10974-424: The normalisation of its relationship with Serbia, and over Iran over its nuclear program. In October 2013, Der Spiegel wrote of her: But now the 57-year-old baroness is suddenly at the center of world diplomacy. And whenever she is mentioned, she earns praise for her hard-nosed negotiating skills, her stamina and her diplomatic talents. It is said that U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry has much faith in her. "She
11092-483: The objective of association as promoting the economic and social development of those associated territories as listed in annex 2. The following articles elaborate on the form of association such as customs duties. Part 5 deals with EU foreign policy . Article 205 states that external actions must be in accordance with the principles laid out in Chapter 1 Title 5 of the Treaty on European Union. Article 206 and 207 establish
11210-555: The ordinary and simplified revision procedures. Article 49 deals with applications to join the EU and Article 50 with withdrawal . In the aftermath of the Brexit vote in the UK on 23 June 2016, the United Kingdom formally invoked Article 50 in March 2017, giving notice that it would leave the EU within two years. Article 51 deals with the protocols attached to the treaties and article 52 with
11328-488: The other member states. Legend for below table: [ Amending ] – [ Membership ] Since the end of World War II , sovereign European countries have entered into treaties and thereby co-operated and harmonised policies (or pooled sovereignty ) in an increasing number of areas, in the European integration project or the construction of Europe ( French : la construction européenne ). The following timeline outlines
11446-539: The others agreed to this was significant. For China and Russia to be outside while she was in the room negotiating details was quite remarkable". In July 2014, given the large number of Italian MEPs belonging to the S&;D group following the 2014 election , the European Council considered her as a candidate for the position of High Representative, in Jean-Claude Juncker 's new European Commission . On 13 July 2014,
11564-402: The parliament and by their governments in the council and European Council – accountable to national parliaments . Article 11 establishes government transparency, declares that broad consultations must be made and introduces provision for a petition where at least 1 million citizens may petition the commission to legislate on a matter. Article 12 gives national parliaments limited involvement in
11682-432: The position of High Representative for Common Foreign and Security Policy . The position was augmented by the Treaty of Lisbon , which established its current title and powers, including a seat on the European Commission as Vice-President, and a chair of the council of EU foreign ministers . The first person to hold the full title of High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, inaugurated upon
11800-674: The post. Ashton was confirmed by the European Parliament before she took up the post. In the same European Council meeting, Pierre de Boissieu was appointed Secretary-General of the Council of the European Union , showing that the High Representative and the Secretary-General will no longer be the same person. In October 2010 most major appointments to the EEAS were made, including Pierre Vimont (France) as Secretary General, Helga Schmid (Germany) and Maciej Popowski (Poland) as Deputy Secretaries General and David O'Sullivan (Ireland) as chief operating officer. Slowly other staff and ambassadors were appointed in cycles. Ashton formally launched
11918-460: The ratification must take place in its national parliament . On some occasions, a state has failed to get a treaty passed by its public in a referendum. In the cases of Ireland and Denmark a second referendum was held after a number of concessions were granted. However, in the case of France and the Netherlands , the treaty was abandoned in favour of a treaty that would not prompt a referendum. In
12036-536: The rotating Council presidency that would have taken charge before the Treaty of Lisbon, took a back seat though assisted, for example by offering use of the Spanish base in Panama. However, the majority of aid relief was dealt with bilaterally between Haiti and individual member states and Ashton was criticised afterward for being one of the few foreign representatives not to travel to Haiti personally. Despite EU ministers then agreeing to deploy European gendarmes , criticism
12154-589: The simplified revision procedure due to the small scope of its change. Any reform to the legal basis of the EU must be ratified according to the procedures in each member state. All states are required to ratify it and lodge the instruments of ratification with the Government of Italy before the treaty can come into force in any respect. In some states, such as Ireland, this is usually a referendum as any change to that state's constitution requires one. In others, such as Belgium , referendums are constitutionally banned and
12272-463: The situation and to co-ordinate pledges from member states. Ashton then chaired a meeting of member states' ambassadors and acted as a general co-ordinator; for example contacts from the UN went via Ashton. Although she refused to describe it as the first act of the external action service, Ashton did emphasise that it was the first time that such a co-ordination between all the various EU foreign policy actors had been accomplished before. Spain, which held
12390-468: The structure of the EU and advanced co-operation in foreign policy. The treaty was signed in Rome on 29 October 2004 and was due to come into force on 1 November 2006 if it was ratified by all member states. However, this did not occur, with France rejecting the document in a national referendum on 29 May 2005 and then the Netherlands in their own referendum on 1 June 2005. Although it had been ratified by
12508-554: The success of the Treaty of Paris , establishing the European Coal and Steel Community , efforts were made to allow West Germany to rearm within the framework of a common European military structure . The Treaty instituting the European Defence Community was signed by the six members on 27 May 1952, but it never entered into force as it was not ratified by France and Italy. The Common Assembly also began drafting
12626-679: The tenets of the Minsk agreements , to the discussions within the Normandy Format and the Trilateral Contact Group , which respect the borders of Ukraine. With the development of the Israel-Hamas war , Borrell has been repeatedly critical of Israel actions, calling the country’s siege of Gaza illegal and dismissing its evacuation orders as unrealistic. As European Union High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, he condemned
12744-540: The traditional method by which the treaties have been amended and involves holding a full inter-governmental conference. The simplified revision procedure was established by the Treaty of Lisbon and only allows for changes which do not increase the power of the EU. While using the passerelle clause does involve amending the treaties, as such, it does allow for a change of legislative procedure in certain circumstances. The ordinary revision procedure for amending treaties requires proposals from an institution to be lodged with
12862-488: The treaties. Article 14 deals with the workings of Parliament and its election, article 15 with the European Council and its president, article 16 with the Council and its configurations and article 17 with the Commission and its appointment. Article 18 establishes the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and article 19 establishes the Court of Justice. Title 4 has only one article which allows
12980-440: The treaties. Article 14 deals with the workings of Parliament and its election, article 15 with the European Council and its president, article 16 with the council and its configurations and article 17 with the commission and its appointment. Article 18 establishes the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and article 19 establishes the Court of Justice. Title 4 has only one article which allows
13098-468: The two core treaties is regularly published by the European Commission. Despite the withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the bloc in 2020, its name remains officially on some of the treaties (the SEA, Maastricht, Amsterdam, Nice and Lisbon and all accession treaties between 1972 and 2011) as it was part of the consultation and ratification process as a member state at the time those treaties were drawn up, though
13216-487: The various EU institutions together with their remit, procedures and objectives. The EU can only act within the competences granted to it through these treaties and amendment to the treaties requires the agreement and ratification (according to their national procedures) of every single signatory. Two core functional treaties, the Treaty on European Union (originally signed in Maastricht in 1992, The Maastricht Treaty) and
13334-412: Was "a lot of hot air" and that "she has an impossible job to do and she is doing it well. At the end of her time in office, people will be more positive about what she has done. She will leave a real legacy." However, Former European Commission adviser Dr Fraser Cameron argued that "the criticism one hears of Ashton is pretty strong and it will be difficult to overcome the bad press she has. It represents
13452-473: Was "no longer the diplomatic dilettante". A senior French diplomat was quoted as saying, "I tip my hat to her.... She truly played a decisive role". The report continued that, after initially insisting on negotiating only with other foreign ministers, by the latter stages of the negotiations the Iranian foreign minister Mohammad Javad Zarif "now... wanted to deal only with Lady Ashton". Said a western diplomat, "That
13570-575: Was also appointed Secretary-General of the Western European Union (WEU), overseeing the transfer of responsibilities from that organisation to the Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP). In 2004, his five-year mandate was renewed; he also became president of the European Defence Agency for the duration of his second term. The Clinton administration claimed in May 2000 that Solana was
13688-409: Was decided that the High Representative would no longer also be the Council's Secretary-General but would be a Vice-President of the European Commission , filling the now merged Commission post. The merger of the two posts has been seen as furthering the answer to Kissinger's question: The creation of a High Representative for foreign policy, or, better still, a Minister for foreign affairs would be
13806-557: Was done to avoid a domino effect that might proceed from demands for independence by Kosovo and Vojvodina . Local media sarcastically named the new country "Solania". On 21 January 2002, Solana said that the detainees at Guantanamo Bay should be treated as prisoners of war under the Geneva Convention . The EU has stated that it hopes to avoid another war like the Iraqi invasion through this and future negotiations, and Solana has said
13924-427: Was levied at Ashton for failing to improve the EU's international profile during the crisis. Ashton responded thus: "There's been a recognition from the people of Haiti, the US, the UN and others of the extremely important role the EU has played. On the main issue, we should ask, have we tried to save lives, to support the people of Haiti? Yes we have." Criticism continued to mount, including complaints that she skipped
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