The introduction of the Lisbon Treaty will inevitably have a strong impact on the European governance in terms of power distribution among member states and EU Institutions, democratic representation of national interests and efficiency of the decision making process (especially in the Council). The Policy Brief provides an original analysis of these aspects and inscribes them in the framework of the current economic crisis. A first test-bed for the Treaty is represented by its ability to set the stage for effective “exit strategies”.
This task will probably be tougher than the coordination of national crisis responses at the European level because it cannot be taken for granted and may give rise to “political opportunism” (with potentially huge effects in terms of respect of the Stability and Growth Pact) by member states.