Lisbon treaty strengthens peace prospects

• Source: Global Times
• [02:24 December 03 2009]
• Comments

European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso gives a speech during the ceremony to mark the entry into force of the European Union's Lisbon Treaty in Lisbon, capital of Portugal, Dec. 1, 2009. (Xinhua/Zeng Yi)

"They are not to seek friendship, but to end wars." As Europeans usher in a new era with the Treaty of Lisbon coming into force Tuesday, the well-known line of the former French Prime Minister Michel Rocard should serve to remind people of the European model's significance for lasting peace and development.

On the once war-torn continent, thanks to the persistent pursuing of a supranational European Union, the soil has nurtured peace with a resolve reinforced by the sufferings of two world wars.

For the 27 member-states with a population of 500 million, wars have become "unthinkable and materially impossible," as the Schuman Declaration in 1950 put it. Europe's integration process is an experiment without parallel, inspiring and benefiting every person and nation, including Asia.

A conflict-free, stronger and more unified Europe is of strategic importance to China, too. The EU-China Summit, during which a joint statement was issued Monday, highlighted the comprehensive strategic partnership, which shares much common ground on bilateral and global issues in the new world order.

The treaty is undoubtedly a big step on Europe's long journey toward emerging as a united geopolitical entity that transcends the conventional nation-state. The rules of international relations are changing, and among EU member-states democratic negotiation has become the basis for moving forward together.

Now by creating a new EU president and foreign affairs chief, increasing the European Parliament's powers, and emphasizing more qualified majority voting in the Council of Ministers, the treaty seeks to streamline the unwieldy decision-making process.