http://www.inquiriesjournal.com/keyword/lisbon-treaty Inquiries Journal provides undergraduate and graduate students around the world a platform for the wide dissemination of academic work over a range of core disciplines. en-us Wed, 08 Apr 2026 10:31:48 -0400 Wed, 08 Apr 2026 10:31:48 -0400 http://www.inquiriesjournal.com/articles/1065/we-need-to-talk-about-lisbon-the-capacity-of-the-european-union-as-a-global-trade-actor By Rob May - The European Commission’s (EC) Directorate-General Trade is one of several that have been subsumed into the remit of ‘external relations’ by the Lisbon Treaty. The effect of the construction of the European Single Market on trade throughout the latter half of the twentieth century has helped define the EU as a significant actor in international relations;3 but to what extent has the Lisbon Treaty, which came into effect in 2009, strengthened or weakened the “actorness” of the EU? This question is particularly difficult to answer with any brevity or parsimony; with... Sun, 01 Jan 2012 12:00 EST http://www.inquiriesjournal.com/articles/1065/we-need-to-talk-about-lisbon-the-capacity-of-the-european-union-as-a-global-trade-actor http://www.inquiriesjournal.com/articles/1077/the-importance-of-the-lisbon-treaty-in-the-future-governance-of-europe-and-the-necessity-for-further-revision By Ainsley Gilbert - The lack of democracy in the European Union prior to the Treaty of Lisbon has been criticised by many, and it is fair to say that the EU was ‘closer to a form of enlightened despotism than a genuine democracy’.3 The only directly elected institution, the European Parliament, had little power, and citizens had no way of ”getting involved” in the policy making process of the Union other than through its infrequent elections. Decision-making authority rested with the unelected bureaucracy of the Commission and the Council of Ministers (made up of national politicians) rather... Thu, 01 Sep 2011 12:00 EDT http://www.inquiriesjournal.com/articles/1077/the-importance-of-the-lisbon-treaty-in-the-future-governance-of-europe-and-the-necessity-for-further-revision http://www.inquiriesjournal.com/articles/1080/in-the-ecj-we-trust-the-authority-of-eu-law-in-the-context-of-constitutional-conflict By Sofiya Kartalova - “In God We Trust” - the motto that inspired a nation built on the paradox ‘out of many, one’ could be construed as the wish for ‘divine goodness and order in the universe’.1 It entails the full recognition of a supreme power. However, the wording does not convey blind obedience, nor does it suggest a contract between equals. Instead, “trust” is rooted in delegation; it boils down to the investment of confidence. Another aspect here is the acknowledgement of abilities of a higher standard than one’s own. Thus, trust is the source of authority... Thu, 01 Sep 2011 12:00 EDT http://www.inquiriesjournal.com/articles/1080/in-the-ecj-we-trust-the-authority-of-eu-law-in-the-context-of-constitutional-conflict http://www.inquiriesjournal.com/articles/1114/the-lisbon-treaty-am-i-a-real-boy-now By Sofiya Kartalov - The Lisbon Treaty operates under the presumption that the EU is an incomplete individual, seeking to remedy the defects and omissions in its body. This organisation has taken on a quest for self-improvement similar to that of Pinocchio, the wooden marionette whose only wish is to become a real boy, in that it demonstrates a desire to change and evolve. The EU has already acquired personal will and now it seeks integrity as a whole individual. The Lisbon Treaty makes a bold claim towards this final goal by not only preserving the soul of the Union, but also striving to turn democracy, transparency... Fri, 01 Jan 2010 12:00 EST http://www.inquiriesjournal.com/articles/1114/the-lisbon-treaty-am-i-a-real-boy-now