Brussels free to take on more powers

I WAS alarmed recently to discover another self-amending aspect in article 352 of the the Treaty on European Union as amended by the Lisbon Treaty.

This would allow the EU, with unanimity in the Commission and the European Parliament, to take action and adopt measures even if “the treaties have not provided the necessary powers”.

That is, it would allow Brussels to give itself further powers that are not conferred on it by the treaties. No ratification by national parliaments or referendums would be required.