The EU’s Lisbon treaty on institutional reform is being signed in the Portuguese capital on Thursday, December 13, 2007. The treaty aims to simplify and modernise the EU’s institutions, following the bloc’s enlargement from 15 to 27 member-states since April 2004.

It creates a semi-permanent president of the European Council (representing national governments), it slims down the European Commission, and it enhances the role of the European Parliament and national parliaments. It also changes the EU’s voting procedures.