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Consider the following statements about the Treaty of Lisbon (2007) I. This is an international agreement signed to change the functioning of European Union. II. To enter into legal force, the treaty must be ratified by at least 3/4th member states of the European Union. Which of the statements given above is/are correc?
Explanation
The Treaty of Lisbon (2007) is an international agreement designed to reform the institutional framework and functioning of the European Union [t1][t2]. It amended existing treaties, such as the Treaty on European Union, to enhance the EU's efficiency and decision-making capabilities [t6][t8]. Statement I is therefore correct. Regarding Statement II, the treaty required ratification by all member states, not a 3/4th majority, to enter into legal force [t1][t3]. This requirement for unanimity in ratification is a standard procedure for EU treaty amendments, as evidenced by the delay caused when Ireland initially rejected the treaty in a 2008 referendum [t6][t9]. The treaty finally entered into force on December 1, 2009, after the final member state, the Czech Republic, completed its ratification process [c3][t2]. Thus, Statement II is incorrect.
Sources
- [1] https://vlada.gov.cz/en/media-centrum/aktualne/the-ratification-process-for-the-treaty-of-lisbon-63113/
- [2] https://www.congress.gov/crs_external_products/RS/PDF/RS21618/RS21618.25.pdf
- [3] Contemporary World Politics, Textbook in political science for Class XII (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 2: Contemporary Centres of Power > TIMELINE OF EUROPEAN INTEGRATION > p. 18