europe's (torn?) identity - Projects - AEGEE Europe

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Most decisions will be taken by a qualified majority. Unanimity is preserved
for some politically sensitive areas. The role of the European Parliament in
adopting decisions will strengthen.
As of 2009, the decisions will be taken by double majority which shall consist
of a majority of Member States representing at least 60% of the Union's population.
Weighting of votes will be abolished.
2. Lisbon Strategy
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It establishes a framework for economic and social coordination, with regular
spring European Council.
Extends policy coordination to new area.
It's also aimed at convincing observers that the EU is serious about undertaking
structural reforms.
Key objective: Europe “should become the most competitive and dynamic
knowledge – based economy in the world by 2010, capable of sustainable economic
growth, with more and better jobs and greater cohesion”.
Instruments required for achieving this objective: Lisbon Strategy, which
includes benchmarking based on quantitative and qualitative indicators, the
setting of specific timetables and translation of European guidelines into
national policies.
Competitiveness concept (national vs. company level).
A competitive country is the one which can maintain high rates of growth and
employment at medium-term.
Lisbon Strategy defines specific objectives: creating an information society for
all, a European area of research and information, completing the Single
Market (services and financial markets), strengthening entrepreneurship,
social inclusion and sustainable development.
Lisbon Strategy and accession countries:
❖ as a group they are far behind the EU,
❖ largest gap compared to the EU: financial services, sustainable development,
innovations and R&D,
❖ new members will suffer strong competitive disadvantages in the EU,
❖ best performing accession countries: Estonia, Czech Republic, Hungary and
Slovenia.
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