Jose Socrates Biography

The Treaty of Lisbon makes the Union's bill of rights, the Charter of Fundamental Rights, legally binding

At the meeting of the European Council Portugal insists that the Treaty (the Reform Treaty) be signed in Lisbon

This record states: Prominent changes included the move from unanimity to qualified majority voting in at least 45 policy areas in the Council of Minister's, a change in calculating such a majority to a new double majority.

This record states: a more powerful European Parliament forming a bicameral legislature alongside the Council of Minister's under the ordinary legislative procedure, a consolidated legal personality for the EU and.

This record states: the creation of a long-term President of the European Council and a High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy.

At the meeting of the European Council in October 2007, Portugal insisted that the Treaty (then called the 'Reform Treaty') be signed in Lisbon, the Portuguese capital. This request was granted, and the Treaty was thus to be called the Treaty of Lisbon, in line with the tradition of European Union treaties. The Portuguese presidency was appointed to the job of organising the programme for a signing ceremony

At the meeting of the European Council Portugal insists that the Treaty (the Reform Treaty) be signed in Lisbon

At the meeting of the European Council in October 2007, Portugal insisted that the Treaty (then called the 'Reform Treaty') be signed in Lisbon, the Portuguese capital. This request was granted, and the Treaty was thus to be called the Treaty of Lisbon, in line with the tradition of European Union treaties. The Portuguese presidency was appointed to the job of organising the programme for a signing ceremony

The October European Council, led by Jose Socrates consists of legal experts from all member states scrutinising the final drafts of the Treaty

The Treaty of Lisbon makes the Union's bill of rights, the Charter of Fundamental Rights, legally binding

The stated aim of the treaty was to "complete the process started by the Treaty of Amsterdam [1997] and by the Treaty of Nice [2001] with a view to enhancing the efficiency and democratic legitimacy of the Union and to improving the coherence of it's action"

At the European Council meeting on 18 and 19 October 2007 in Lisbon, a few last-minute concessions were made to ensure the signing of the Treaty

Representatives from the 27 EU member states were present, and signed the Treaty as plenipotentiaries, marking the end of Treaty negotiations.

The signing of the Treaty of Lisbon took place in Lisbon, Portugal on 13 December 2007. The Government of Portugal, by virtue of holding Presidency of the Council of the European Union at the time, arranged a ceremony inside the 15th century Jerónimos Monastery, the same place Portugal's treaty of accession to the European Union (EU) was signed in 1985

The signing of the Treaty of Lisbon, the Government of Portugal, by virtue of holding Presidency of the Council of the European Union at the time.

arranges a ceremony inside the 15th century Jeronimos Monastery, the same place Portugals Treaty of accession to the European Union (EU) was signed in 1985.

The European Parliament approves the Treaty by 525 votes in favour and 115 against

Portuguese Prime Minister Jose Socrates wins 2nd term in Parliamentary elections

Portuguese Prime Minister Jose Socrates wins 2nd term in Parliamentary elections

The Treaty of Lisbon comes into effect