CYIL 2010

EMIL RUFFER

CYIL 1 ȍ2010Ȏ

IX. Epilogue / Conclusion The Lisbon Treaty ratification process was completed when the instruments of ratification were deposited by all EU Member States with the Government of the Italian Republic – the depositary of the Treaty of Lisbon as well as other international treaties that form the so-called primary EU law. 134 This long awaited moment took place in Rome on 13 November 2009 when the Czech Prime Minister Jan Fischer deposited the Czech Republic’s instrument of ratification during his visit there. In accordance with its Art. 6 (2), the Treaty of Lisbon entered into force on 1 December 2009. The Epilogue of the long ratification process marks a Prologue to a new phase in which the “upgraded” European Union will endeavour to secure its position during a period in international affairs characterized by political as well as economic turbulence. Now the important work of implementing the Treaty of Lisbon begins in earnest and it will no doubt shape the future role of the European Union as an actor on the international scene. The script is complete, the leading roles of the President of the European Council and the High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy have already been assigned. 135 Let us then hope the performance does not let our expectations down.

134 The main “founding” treaties include the Treaty establishing the European Coal and Steel Community, the Treaty establishing the European Economic Community, the Single European Act, and the Treaty on European Union, as well as all accession treaties and amendments of primary law (such as the Treaty of Amsterdam and the Treaty of Nice). 135 As of 1 December 2009, Mr Herman Van Rompuy (former Prime Minister of Belgium) was appointed as President of the European Council and Ms Catherine Ashton (former Commissioner for Trade in the European Commission) was appointed as High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy.

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