Treaty of Lisbon Enters into Force

The Lisbon Treaty came into force, replacing the failed Constitutional Treaty with a set of amendments to existing treaties. Key changes: creation of a permanent President of the European Council (first: Herman Van Rompuy), creation of a High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy (first: Catherine Ashton), extension of co-decision to most EU legislation, double majority voting in the Council, and an enhanced role for national parliaments. Ireland initially rejected Lisbon in June 2008 before approving it in October 2009.