The Lisbon Treaty strengthens the EU’s commitment to protecting the environment and climate change. The Lisbon Treaty establishes a coherent EU energy policy that aims for a secure, sustainable energy supply. The Lisbon Treaty promotes energy efficiency, interconnection and renewable energy, fostering growth in the green economy.

The Lisbon Treaty lays the foundations for a more sustainable European Union. Under Lisbon, the sustainable development and improvement of the quality of the environment become explicit objectives of the EU both for Europe (Article 3.3, TEU) and the entire Earth (Article 3.5, TEU). More specifically, the Lisbon Treaty contains a direct reference to “combating climate change”. Sustainable development and the sustainable management of natural resources must also be taken into consideration when negotiating with other countries and regions (Article 21.2, TEU).  This means that the impact of every EU policy on the environment must be taken into consideration.

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The Lisbon Treaty establishes a legal basis for a coordinated EU energy policy. This energy policy will help us to work towards ensuring a secure, sustainable energy supply for Ireland and the rest of the EU. The aims of promoting energy efficiency, renewable energy and interconnection will provide market drivers for the green economy, especially in Ireland with our vast natural resources in wind, tidal and wave power. Research and technology are vital to future developments in energy generation and supply. The creation of a European Research Area under Article 179 TFEU will allow researchers and technology to circulate freely around the EU, maximising developments in renewable energy and efficiency in the green sector. More green innovation leads to more green jobs and expansion of the green economy.

Find out more about what the Lisbon Treaty does for energy security and the green economy.

The Articles

• Articles 3.3 and 3.5 TEU sets out the new objectives of the “sustainable development of Europe” and a high level of protection and improvement of the quality of the environment’.
• Article 21.2 TEU establishes that the EU will work towards the sustainable management of global natural resources and develop international measures for sustainable development around the world.
• Article 179 TFEU creates a new European Research Area, enabling increased cooperation between European researchers.
• Article 191 TFEU makes “combating climate change” a primary objective of the Union.
• Article 194 TFEU sets up an EU policy on energy that aims towards a secure, sustainable energy supply while promoting energy efficiency and the development of renewable energy.

Under Lisbon, the EU will be empowered to protect the environment both within the EU and globally. Lisbon will also allow the EU to develop a coherent and sustainable energy policy.

If you want European States to work together to develop clean energy technologies and fight climate change, then

On October 2nd, Vote YES to Lisbon

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