Legal Personality and Pillar Consolidation

Under the existing treaties, the EU comprises a system of three legal pillars, of which only the European Community pillar has its own legal personality. When the Treaty of Lisbon enters into force, the pillar system will be abolished, and the European Union will be a consolidated body with a legal personality. Furthermore, the Treaty on European Union will state that ‘The Union shall replace and succeed the European Community.’ Hence, the existing names of EU bodies will have the word ‘Community’ removed (e.g. the de facto title ‘European Commission’ will become official, replacing its treaty name of ‘Commission of the European Communities’.)

President of the European Council

The European Constitution, drafted by the European Convention, outlined the "President of the European Council" which would replace the role of the Council Presidency in the European Council. The Constitution was rejected by voters during ratification but the changes to the European Council, including the position of President, was retained in the Treaty of Lisbon.

The first President is expected to "set the job description" for future office holders as there is no clear idea of how the post would evolve. One body of thought is the President would stick to the administrative role as outlined by the treaty, a standard bearer who would simply chair meetings and ensure the smooth running of the body and its policies. This would attract semi-retired leaders seeking a fitting climax to their career and would leave most work to the civil service rather than wield power within the institutions. However another opinion would see a more pro-active President within the Union and speaking for it abroad. This post would hence be quickly fashioned into a de facto "President of Europe" and, unlike the first model, would be seen on the world stage as speaking for the EU. Persons connected to this position would be more charismatic leaders.

Unit 5

Vocabulary Section The European Commission

Pre-reading task. Read the words. Mind the stress. A):

΄implement сo΄mmissioner ,nomi΄nee

΄designate a΄ccountable ,dele΄gation

΄qualified pro΄cedure pro΄vided

΄clarify i΄nitiative pro΄posal

΄justify co΄mmited co΄llective

΄deadline co΄mmunicate po΄litically

΄origin re΄sign in΄fringement

B) Complete the word building table.

Noun or Verb Adjective	Verb Noun
qualified	to implement
accountable	to designate
origin	to commit
delegation	to communicate
initiative	to clarify
regular	to justify
to defend	infringement
decision	to resign
actual	initiative
local	proposal

C)

Verb or Noun Person	Negative prefixes or suffixes
delegation	regularly
initiative	qualified
to interview	dependent
office	formally