Traditionally an area of exclusive competence for the Council, the Lisbon Treaty is about to alter the playing field quite radically, as it substantially enhances the role of the European Parliament (EP) to an equal partner in co-decision. Liberals though fear that the Council may try to play tricks in order to pass it without 'unpleasant' Parliament input. The Lisbon Treaty will namely not enter into force before the 1^st of December - i.e. one day after the set vote in the Council.

ELDR Party President Annemie Neyts concludes that "Although not yet formally in force, the Lisbon Treaty has now been agreed upon and therefore should be respected. Making decisions that affect millions of European citizens with a hidden agenda and only one day before the Treaty enters into force is hardly what could be expected from EU leaders".

She is echoed by the President of European Liberal Youth (LYMEC), Aloys Rigaut: "This date has not been set by chance. It is just one day before the treaty comes into force, which will precisely give co-decision powers to the EP on the issue. This is simply unacceptable! The agreement will have a huge impact on the privacy on almost all EU citizens and it thus definitely requires a transparent and democratic debate in the EP. Together with Parliament's political leaders, we therefore strongly call on the Justice and Home Affairs Ministers to put the point off their agenda next Monday. Waiting one day should not be that difficult for them, unless naturally they fear the voice of Europe's citizens".