Office of the Leader of the House of Commons

European Union (Amendment) Act

Key Benefits The Bill would give effect in UK law to the EU Reform Treaty due to be signed in December. The Reform Treaty is required to enable the enlarged EU of 27 Member States to work effectively. The Government's approach was set out in detail in a White Paper which was presented to Parliament in July. A detailed mandate for the Reform Treaty was agreed at the June 2007 European Council. It includes the UK's four 'red lines' that ensure that there is no transfer of power away from the UK on issues of fundamental importance to our sovereignty. This means: There is nothing in the new Treaty which requires us to change our existing labour and social legislation. Our common law system and our police and judicial processes have been protected. We have secured an extension of our current JHA opt-in arrangements. Our independent foreign and defence policy is maintained. Our tax and social security system is protected. The Reform Treaty is an amending Treaty like Nice, Amsterdam and Maastricht. Like those treaties, it would be ratified by Parliament.

Act of Parliament

Explanatory Notes

Territorial Extent
United Kingdom
Theme
Economic Stability

The Bill applies UK-wide, and EU Treaty matters are reserved.

Additional Information

An Inter-governmental Conference was convened in July to allow legal experts to turn the mandate into a detailed Treaty text. Heads of State and Government reached political agreement on the draft Treaty at the Informal European Council in Lisbon on 18-19 October - the UK's red lines were met. Final signature of the Treaty will be at the European Council on 13-14 December.

Related Documents

White Paper "The Reform Treaty: The British Approach to the EU IGC July 2007" Cm 7174.