Publication

This paper discusses the changes in the EU’s governing institutions and decision-making processes brought about by the constitutional treaty of 2004. The treaty aims to institute internal reforms which enable a larger EU to operate effectively and prevent gridlock. The future of the EU’s constitution, however, has been thrown in doubt after French and Dutch voters rejected it in separate referenda in May and June 2005. This report provides background information on the constitution, its key provisions, the current crisis, and possible implications for US-EU relations.