Memo: After a good year for Europe in 2007, the Commission remains committed to delivering results in 2008

2007 has been a good year for the EU and for the European Commission's twin track approach of resolving the longstanding institutional question while building a Europe of Results under the current framework. Agreement on the Treaty of Lisbon has been reached and the Commission hopes that ratification will be completed in 2008. The Treaty will enhance Europe's capacity to act, in the full respect of national interests. In parallel, Europe has taken important steps towards fulfilling its 21st century mission of helping Europe to shape and respond to globalisation, in the interest of all its citizens. The Commission wants a prosperous, low-carbon Europe and believes 2007 has seen significant progress towards that goal. Europeans can be more confident at the end of 2007 than at the start in the EU's ability to act, in partnership with Member States, to defend citizens' interests at a time of rapid global change. Nevertheless, tough challenges remain and new ones have emerged, notably financial market turbulence and high energy and commodity prices. Europe will need to redouble its efforts to deliver results for citizens in 2008.