The Treaty of Lisbon entered into force on 1^st December 2009. It provides the EU with modern institutions and optimised working methods to tackle both efficiently and effectively today's challenges in world. In a rapidly changing world, Europeans look to the EU to address issues such as globalisation, climatic and demographic changes, security and energy. The Treaty of Lisbon reinforces democracy in the EU and its capacity to promote the interests of its citizens on a day-to-day basis.

"The treaty of Lisbon puts citizens at the centre of the European project"; "I'm delighted that we now have the right institutions to act and a period of stability" president Barroso said.

With the entry into force of the Lisbon Treaty "EU-level cooperation and dialogue in the field of sport have entered a new era". The article 165 of the Treaty provides the European Union with a new competence with the goal to develop the European dimension in sport.

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