L

Laeken declaration
A synonym for Laeken declaration is the Declaration on the Future of the European Union. It was adopted in 2001 by the European Council and committed the Union to become more democratic, transparent and effective. It posed 60-targeted questions on the future of the Union divided into four main themes: the division and definition of powers, simplification of the treaties, the institutional set-up and moving towards a Constitution for European Citizens.

Legislation procedures
In the EU there are five different legislative procedure depending on the policy area. They include cooperation, co-decision, contribution, information and consultation.

Lisbon strategy
The EU needs a modern efficient economy in order to compete with other major world players. At the Council summit in Lisbon (March 2000), the EU’s leaders set a new goal: to become, within a decade, "the most competitive and dynamic knowledge-based economy in the world, capable of sustainable growth with more and better jobs and greater social cohesion.” The EU’s leaders also agreed on a detailed strategy for achieving this goal. The "Lisbon strategy" covers such matters as research, education, training, Internet access and on-line business. It also covers the reform of Europe’s social protection systems, which must be made sustainable to ensure that their benefits can be enjoyed by future generations. The European Council meets every spring to review progress in implementing the Lisbon strategy.