The "New European Union" - Characteristics, Contradictions and Challenges

Endorsement of the ‘Reform Treaty’, culminating in its’ signing as the Treaty of Lisbon in December 2007, promises to end the EU’s enduring institutional problems. The compromise reached is the best realistically possible outcome given the divergent interests in the EU27. Yet uncertainties and reservations remain: the Treaty must be ratified by all member states; and the proposed institutional solutions have to be tested in practice. Important areas of economic and social policy, along with much of foreign and security policy, and all of defence, are still the domain of national governments. The Single Market is yet to be completed and in several member state polities resistance to greater liberalisation is strong. The framework conditions for functionality have improved but this does not guarantee that governments will vigorously tackle common challenges in a coordinated and efficient way at national and European levels. Further differentiation within the EU appears unavoidable.