EU political integration

This page highlights some of the current parliamentary material available on European Union political integration. This includes select committee reports, briefing papers on current legislation and other subjects produced by the parliamentary research services, and the latest Early Day Motions put down by MPs.

Standard Notes

Date	Description
29.01.2013	Regulation of Referendums
	This Note sets out the mechanics for holding referendums. It summarises the applicable provisions of the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000 (PPERA) which regulate publicity and campaigning.
13.11.2012	Referendums on the European Union
	This Note charts the referendums on EU matters held in candidate and Member States since 1972, with brief details on turnout and results.
24.07.2012	The UK and Europe: time for a new relationship?
	This note looks at views on a referendum on the UK's EU membership, and government, parliamentary and public views on the UK's future relations with the EU.
07.12.2011	Repatriating EU powers to Member States
	The EU Treaties as amended by the Lisbon Treaty provides for the first time a Treaty base for the return, as well as the increase, of powers. Either would in all likelihood require a Treaty amendment.
20.10.2011	In brief: leaving the European Union
	The Lisbon Treaty allows EU Member States to leave the European Union. However, the process, as yet untested, would in all likelihood not be straightforward and would involve negotiating a new relationship for the UK with the EU.

Research Papers

Date	Description
01.07.2013	Leaving the EU
	The Treaty on European Union provides for a Member State to leave the EU, either on the basis of a negotiated withdrawal agreement or without one. If the UK were to leave the EU following a referendum, it is likely that the Government would negotiate an agreement with the EU, which would probably contain transitional arrangements as well as provide for the UK's long-term future relations with the EU. There is no precedent for such an agreement, but it would in all likelihood come at the end of complex and lengthy negotiations.
30.07.2008	The Treaty of Lisbon: an uncertain future
	On 12 June 2008 the Republic or Ireland voted against ratification of the Treaty of Lisbon, throwing the EU into uncertain waters once again. Although most Member States, including the UK, have continued with the ratification processes, the future of the Lisbon Treaty remains uncertain.
24.01.2008	The Treaty of Lisbon: amendments to the Treaty on European Union
06.12.2007	The Treaty of Lisbon: amendments to the Treaty establishing the European Community.
22.11.2007	The EU Reform Treaty: amendments to the Treaty on European Union
	The EU Reform Treaty: amendments to the Treaty on European Union. House of Commons Library Research Paper 07/80.

Early Day Motions

Date	Description
16.12.2010	EU PARTNERSHIP-BUILDING WITH EASTERN EUROPE
	That this House commends Aberystwyth University's Department of International Politics for its project on Europeanising or Securitising the Outsiders? Assessing the EU's partnership-building ...
02.12.2009	LISBON TREATY REFERENDUM
	That this House notes that the Lisbon Treaty has been ratified by all EU member states; is disappointed that the United Kingdom was promised a referendum but that promise was broken; ...
04.11.2009	REFERENDUM ON TREATY OF LISBON
	That this House calls on those hon. Members who have previously expressed the view that a referendum should be held on the Lisbon Treaty before or after ratification to clarify their ...
12.01.2009	PUBLIC OPINION ON THE EUROPEAN UNION
	That this House notes that a new poll by ComRes, a member of the British Polling Council, commissioned by the Campaign for an Independent Britain, reveals that British people believe ...
03.12.2008	IMMIGRATION POLICY
	That this House believes that, whilst visitors should be welcomed to our shores, immigration is a valid area of public policy and should be addressed calmly and honestly; notes that ...

Lords Library Notes

Date	Description
25.01.2013	Debate on 31 January: Prime Minister's Speech on Europe
	This Library Note provides a short history of Prime Ministerial speeches on Europe since 1970; outlines Government policy towards Europe since 2010; summarises David Cameron's speech and selected reaction to it; and considers some aspects of the proposed renegotiation and referendum. It concludes with information about trends in public opinion towards Britain's membership of the EU.