Parliament of which of the following was the last to ratify the European Union's Lisbon Treaty that came into force on December 1, 2009?
-
Hungary
-
Czech Republic
-
Croatia
-
United Kingdom
B
Correct answer
Explanation
European Union's Lisbon Treaty came into force on December 1, 2009 following its ratification by all the 27 member states. Czech Republic became the last of the member states to ratify it in November. The treaty is designed to streamline decision-making and give the EU greater influence in world affairs. It creates two new posts - president of the European Council and a high representative for foreign affairs. EU later chose Belgian Prime Minister Herman van Rompuy to be the first permanent European Council President. Baroness Catherine Ashton from the UK was appointed the High Representative for Foreign Affairs.
One of the treaty's key areas is the removal of national vetoes in a number of areas. These include the fight against climate change, energy security and emergency aid. The provision of National Veto has been retained in taxation, foreign policy, defence and social security issues.