Voteyes.ie

Part Five of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union covers the Unions external actions. These are governed by the principals set out in the Treaty on European Union as amended

Title II covers the common commercial policy the process whereby the EU acts internationally in the economic sphere. Again this is to be consistent with the original TEU principles. There is some extension of QMV but notably not to all areas for example sensitive agreements on social, education and health services are excluded. The European Parliament is also given an enhanced role.

Title III covers cooperation with third countries and humanitarian aid. Again the principles earlier outlined govern this area. Development policy is to have as it’s main objective “the reduction and, in the long term, the eradication of poverty. Again there is some extension of QMV.

Title IV covers restrictive actions, effectively sanctions and Title V allows the EU enter in to international agreements (not a new provision)

Title VI covers relations with international organisations such as the U.N., third countries and EU delegations.

Title VII outlines the new solidarity clause; this is effectively a political declaration that member states will assist each other in the even of a natural disaster or terrorist attack. This is also covered by one of the legal guarantees in Brussels in June which makes clear member states themselves decide how this will be made operational.