Ten good things about the EU Reform Treaty

12.54.00pm UTC (GMT +0000) Fri 14th Sep 2007

In the debate on Europe the detail is often overlooked, but here are 10 Good Things about the Reform Treaty:

1. Clarifies what the EU is and what it does.

The treaty will make clear that EU powers are "conferred" on EU institutions by Member States. The EU is not a rival to the nation-state. It helps countries to deal with problems they cannot tackle on their own. This principle buries the "super-state" myth.

2. Gives Britain a stronger voice on the world stage.

The EU High Representative will have more clout to represent the agreed EU position. That gives Britain more influence in the world.

3. More focused agenda:

The full-time presidency will drive the EU agenda, so that it can be more focused on tackling challenges like climate change and terrorism.

4. More democratic:

Elected MEPs will be able to scrutinise and amend more EU legislation. The European parliament has a track record of defending the rights of EU citizens and standing up for the environment.

5. Powers can be returned to Member States

Under the new treaty, if all Member States agree, powers can be returned to national capitals. Powers can go back and forward to EU institutions, depending on where it is best exercised, but big changes will still need a full conference of Member States.

6. The UK voting weight in the Council of Ministers will rise

The reform treaty will lead to a fairer distribution of voting weights in the Council of Ministers. Britain's voting power will rise.

7. Less deadlock on key decisions

It will also be easier to get legislation through - the vast majority of which has historically gone in Britain's favour. With the addition of the eastern European countries to the EU, majority voting will enable greater economic reforms.

8. National Parliaments

For the first time National Parliaments will have the right to challenge EU legislation. This will help to ensure that the EU sticks to issues that national governments cannot deal with.

9. Greater role for EU in tackling climate change

Only international cooperation can tackle climate change. The EU will have a role in bringing down Europe's carbon emissions.

10. Streamlined Commission, less bureaucracy.

The number of Commissioners will be reduced from 27 to two-thirds of the number of Member States on a revolving basis. This will mean the size of the Commission will reflect the work it does - rather than giving out jobs for the sake of it.