"Institutions and enlargement under the Treaty of Nice"

Jones, Rebecca R. (2003) "Institutions and enlargement under the Treaty of Nice". In: UNSPECIFIED, Nashville, TN. (Unpublished)

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Abstract

The Treaty of Nice was designed to provide a blueprint for reforming the system of governance in the European Union. The initial defeat of ratification in Ireland raised questions regarding the future of the EU and the possibility of enlargement. Ireland finally ratified the Treaty of Nice in October 2002; the Treaty entered into force on February 1, 2003. Will the Nice Treaty become the spearhead for reforms in EU governance? Enlargement will have a profound impact on the governing of the European Union. In particular, the Commission and the European Parliament face almost immediate changes in their relative strengths and roles in the governing structure of the EU. The addition of new member stares will require changes to the make up of the Commission, as well as a change and possibly a diminution of its role as a policymaker. The European Parliament which has been steadily increasing its role in EU governance, stands poised to become an institution in the mold of its national counter-parts. This paper will examine the proposed changes to the Commission and the Parliament within the context of the Nice Treaty and enlargement.

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