The Lisbon Treaty Comes into Force

The Lisbon Treaty, which was signed in the Portuguese capital on December 13, 2007, comes into legal effect. Its purpose is to create a more democratic, more effective EU that is more capable of addressing “with one voice” global problems, such as climate change. It also provides for a formal procedure to be followed by member states wishing to withdraw from the European Union, known as Article 50.
It shaped its internal structures, strengthened democratic accountability and paved the way for many achievements and rights that we all enjoy today.
The Lisbon Treaty completes the EU’s institutional reform and makes the Charter of Fundamental Rights legally binding. The Parliament has an equal role in the decision-making process with EU governments in all legal areas except for a few.
It extends the use of qualified majority voting in the Council.
The European Council becomes a fully-fledged institution with its own President. Previously, the European Council functioned as an informal body and the position of its head was unofficial. The position was held by the head of state or government of the member state holding the rotating Presidency of the Council of the European Union.