WEB-EU-SUMMIT-TREATY

The new EU treaty aims to streamline the 27-nation bloc by avoiding terms like 'constitution' and 'federal superstate' that led to the rejection of the previous EU Constitution by France and the Netherlands. It introduces a permanent president and a High Commissioner for foreign policy, reduces the size of the European Commission, and simplifies the voting process. The treaty faced negotiations, particularly with Poland and Italy, over voting rights and parliamentary seats. It also introduces new policies on energy, global warming, and security, and includes a clause allowing countries to leave the EU. If ratified, it will take effect in 2009.

What are the key features of the new treaty introduced for the 27 nation bloc?

How does the new treaty address the concerns of countries like Poland and Italy regarding voting rights?

What new common policies does the EU Treaty introduce?

What provision does the new treaty include for countries that are unhappy with the bloc?

When is the new treaty expected to come into effect if ratification goes well?