The Treaty of Nice, also known as the Nice Treaty, is an international agreement that amended the functioning of the European Union. It was signed on February 26, 2001, and entered into force on February 1, 2003. The treaty aimed to reform the EU's institutional structure and decision-making processes to accommodate the enlargement of the EU and ensure its efficient functioning.
Institutional Reforms
European Parliament: The Nice Treaty increased the number of seats in the European Parliament (EP) to accommodate the anticipated enlargement of the EU. It also modified the weighting of votes in the EP to ensure a fair representation of citizens from different member states.
Council of Ministers: The treaty made changes to the voting system in the Council of the European Union to address the issue of decision-making in an enlarged EU. It introduced a system of qualified majority voting with a double majority requirement, taking into account both the number of member states and their population. The threshold for reaching a qualified majority was adjusted.
European Commission: The Nice Treaty addressed the composition of the European Commission in light of EU enlargement. It introduced a transitional arrangement that limited the number of commissioners to one per member state until 2005 when a new system was to be established.
Policy Areas
Defence and security: The treaty acknowledged the need for the EU to develop its capabilities in defence and crisis management. It included provisions for the establishment of the European Security and Defence Policy, enabling the EU to take action in security and defence matters.
Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP): The Nice Treaty strengthened the CFSP, aiming to enhance the EU's role as a global actor in international affairs. It expanded the areas of common action and improved decision-making procedures within the CFSP.
Justice and home affairs: The treaty sought to further develop cooperation among member states in the area of justice and home affairs. It expanded the scope of EU involvement in issues such as asylum, immigration, and judicial cooperation in criminal matters.
Enlargement
Preparations for enlargement: The Nice Treaty made provisions to facilitate the accession of new member states to the EU. It adjusted decision-making procedures and institutional arrangements to accommodate the increased number of member states.
Voting weights: The treaty adjusted the voting weights of member states in the Council of the European Union to account for the anticipated enlargement and ensure a fair representation of interests.
Decision-Making Flexibility
Enhanced cooperation: The Nice Treaty introduced the concept of enhanced cooperation, allowing groups of member states to deepen integration in specific policy areas without the participation of all member states. This mechanism aimed to foster flexibility and allow for differentiated integration among willing member states.
The Nice Treaty represented an important step in the EU's evolution, particularly in preparing for its enlargement to include new member states. It addressed issues related to the EU's institutional structure, decision-making processes, and policy areas to ensure the efficient functioning of the Union and its ability to accommodate the changing European landscape.
You can learn more about this topic with our EU Law notes.
