OPAL - Observatory of Parliaments after the Lisbon Treaty

The role of national parliaments in European integration is a topical issue in current political and academic debates. The Treaty of Lisbon significantly expands the influence of national parliaments in EU policy-making. To this end, the new treaty has introduced “Provisions on Democratic Principles” stipulating that “national parliaments contribute actively to the good functioning of the Union”. The universities of Cambridge, Cologne, Maastricht and Paris are analysing the role of all 40 national chambers in the EU in a three-year project (2011-2014). For more information please visit the website.