Introduction

The EU Treaty, also known as the Treaty on European Union (TEU), is one of the fundamental treaties on which the European Union (EU) is based. Together with the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU), it forms the constitutional basis of the EU. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the EU Treaty, its history, its structure and the main rules and principles enshrined in it.

History of the EU Treaty

The EU Treaty has its roots in the Maastricht Treaty, which was signed in 1992 and entered into force in 1993. The Maastricht Treaty marked a decisive step in European integration, transforming the European Community into the European Union and introducing new areas of cooperation, such as the Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP) and cooperation in the fields of justice and home affairs.

Since then, the EU Treaty has been further developed through various amending treaties, including the Treaty of Lisbon in 2007.

Structure of the EU Treaty

The EU Treaty consists of a preamble and several titles covering different aspects of the EU and its functioning. Among the most important titles are:

• Title I: Principles
• Title II: Democratic principles
• Title III: Institutional Provisions
• Title IV: Provisions on enhanced cooperation
• Title V: General provisions on foreign policy and security policy
• Title VI: Final provisions

Important rules and principles

1. principles of the EU

The EU Treaty sets out the principles on which the EU is based, including the values of respect for human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, the rule of law and respect for human rights.

2. democratic principles

The treaty emphasizes the importance of the democratic legitimacy of the EU institutions and establishes mechanisms for the participation of citizens and national parliaments in EU policy.

3. institutional structure

The EU Treaty sets out the institutional structure of the EU, including the role and functions of the main institutions such as the European Commission, the European Parliament, the Council of the European Union and the European Council.

4. common foreign and security policy

The Treaty contains provisions on the EU’s Common Foreign and Security Policy, including the objectives, principles and procedures for its implementation.

5. extension and withdrawal

The EU Treaty contains provisions on the enlargement of the EU and the accession of new member states, as well as on the withdrawal of a member state from the EU (Article 50).

6. subsidiarity and proportionality principles

The Treaty enshrines the principle of subsidiarity, according to which the EU only takes action if the objectives of a measure cannot be sufficiently achieved by the Member States acting alone. The principle of proportionality states that EU action must not go beyond what is necessary to achieve the objectives of the Treaties.

7. economic and monetary union

The EU Treaty contains provisions for the creation of an economic and monetary union, including the introduction of the euro as a common currency.

8. fundamental rights and EU citizenship

The Treaty reaffirms the importance of fundamental rights and sets out the rights and obligations of EU citizens, including the right to free movement and the right to vote in elections to the European Parliament.

9. strengthened cooperation

The treaty allows for enhanced cooperation between a group of member states in certain areas when agreement at the EU level is not achievable.

10. case law of the european court of justice

The EU Treaty establishes the competence of the European Court of Justice to interpret and apply EU law.

Conclusion

The EU Treaty is a fundamental document that governs the structure, principles and functioning of the European Union. It has evolved over time and is the result of an ongoing process of European integration. The Treaty, together with other treaties, forms the constitutional basis of the EU and plays a crucial role in shaping relations between the EU institutions, member states and citizens.