European Union Leaders Reach Agreement on Reform Treaty

European leaders have reached agreement on the reform of EU institutions at the European Council, the bi-annual meeting of EU heads of state and government.

The new treaty, to be drawn up by the end of the year, will provide for a single EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and a permanent president (in place of the current rotating presidency). National parliaments will enjoy an increased role in EU policymaking and a new voting system will streamline decisionmaking.

European Commission President José Manuel Barroso said, "The goal for the summit was to reach a mandate for an institutional settlement. We have reached it…. Reaching agreement was a credibility test for the Union. This Reform Treaty provides the Union with the capacity to act."

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