Lisbon: it’s time to move on with the debate

HAVING secured legal guarantees that sensitive issues such as tax and neutrality will not be affected by the Lisbon Treaty, it’s time to move on with the debate. The focus now needs to shift from what is not in the treaty to what is in it.

One of its central aims is to make the EU more democratic. Having worked in the European Parliament, I naturally welcome measures to increase the powers of the parliament in areas such as energy, security and justice and home affairs.

However, one of the most interesting and innovative elements being proposed in this treaty is the citizens’ initiative.