The Lisbon Treaty in 27 keys
(BRUSSELS2) The time of the polemics and diatribes that surrounded the Treaty of Lisbon (aka the European Constitution) now seems very far away. And we have almost forgotten certain epic debates, the very content of the Treaty and the progress it allows. The reissue of this book is therefore timely. Written by Etienne de Poncins, a French diplomat, who was posted in Brussels, notably in charge of relations with the press, in Sofia (Bulgaria) and Nairobi (Kenya), it is divided into 27 keys, 27 chapters easily understandable by the person little versed in European affairs as interesting by the insider aware of certain facts and gestures. The update carried out also makes it possible to see how certain provisions have been (or not) applied.
English only, please
Readers of this blog may go directly to Key 16 on Foreign Affairs, Key 22 on Foreign Policy, or Key 24 on Defense. They will be able to learn there in particular how the cabinet of Lady Ashton required that any note which reaches it be written in English (the High Representative as well as her chief of staff being rather ignorant in other languages). They will also be able to (re)discover how the British have managed the takeover of certain departments, in particular Africa, which sees the positions of director of the department, deputy director, as well as the "Horn of Africa" unit " and "East Africa" occupied by subjects of His Gracious Majesty.
The painful genesis of the treaties
Everyone can also read with interest the "painful and long genesis of the reform" treaties: from the Treaty of Nice to the Treaty of Lisbon via the Convention and the European Constitution. And we can pick at random chapters such as "religion", "fundamental rights", "borders", "rights of voting" (remember all the debate on Ionnina!), the space of "justice and freedoms", "economic and monetary governance", what we are looking for there...
It reads easily. Because E. de Poncins skilfully mixes personal memories - such as the instructions given to him when he received his mission letter for Brussels as a young diplomat - with anecdotes - the cook who at the top of Nice announces that they no longer have food for everyone, which perhaps accelerated the discussions - elements of context and more political explanations on the substance of the discussions - in particular the Convention which he followed very closely -. The author mixes in some reflections and points of view which are marked by the hexagonal formation of the diplomat but always remain also animated by a true European conviction.
• "The Treaty of Lisbon in 27 keys", Etienne de Poncins, "lines of reference" editions, 19 euros.
