The Lisbon Treaty and the Development of the European Union Essay

The Lisbon Treaty and the Development of the European Union - Essay Example As the discussion highlights the principal objective of the Lisbon Treaty is to make the EU a single legal entity. The other objectives of the Treaty are aimed at the protection of the environment and enhancing security to the energy sector. Under the principles laid down by the Lisbon Treaty, the Member States can leave the EU voluntarily. The Lisbon Treaty suggests an amendment procedure to the EU Treaties of the future; without having to convene a meeting of the Member States for that specific purpose. Moreover, it brings about new changes to the EU system. At the proposal stage itself, there was intense debate between the drafters of the Treaty. It makes the fundamental rights charter of the year 2000 legally binding. The Member States treated this charter as a political declaration in order to formulate the rights of EU citizens and to pronounce them with greater emphasis. The Lisbon Treaty renders this charter binding on all the Member States; and this charter consists of 54 ci vil, political, economic and social rights. All these rights are applicable to the citizens of Europe. In addition, residents in the EU are provided with the right to life, the right to marry, the right to strike and the right to conduct business within the EU.