Timeframe: On-going
Project managers: Karolina Zurek, Göran von Sydow and  Fredrik Langdal

The entry into force of the Lisbon Treaty marks the end of a long process and changes the character of EU-cooperation in a number of areas. Still, there are several uncertainties as regards the consequences of these changes and how they affect the constitutional order of the EU. The constitutional aspects of the EU have been studied at SIEPS since 2003 and will continue. Questions of particular relevance after the entry into force of the Lisbon Treaty include; changes in the institutional balance that come from the new treaty, the role of national parliaments, and the legislation of citizens’ initiatives.

The economic crisis has led to a renewed constitutional debate within the EU. This debate concerns both the changes and development that follow from the actual policies pursued during the crisis and the need for a more encompassing revision of the treaties. Of particular interest are those agreements that fall outside the treaties.