Revising the European Treaties: A plea in favour of abolishing the veto

Abstract

After nine years of debate on institutional reform, the entry into force of the Lisbon Treaty brings to a close a turbulent chapter of European integration. Many are of the opinion that the European Union should now focus its attention on other issues. Yet an important lesson can be learned from this saga: the current procedure for revising treaties is doomed to fail and could ultimately paralyze the Union because it increases the number of members who hold veto rights. This is why it is imperative that it be reformed. But how? And when? This study, which is the result of an expert group's collective endeavour, presents several concrete proposals for achieving this goal.