Prof. Michael Dougan, Jean Monnet chair professor in EU law at the University of Liverpool is will deliver a talk entitled 'The Treaty of Lisbon: Inter-governmentalism Resurgent, Constitutionalism Moribund?' at a seminar to be held at the Royal Hall. The Palace hotel, High Street, Sliema, on March 6 at 6 p.m.

Prof. Dougan's presentation will consider the potential impact for the future functioning of the Union of the Constitutional Treaty's 2005 ratification crisis and its transformation into the Treaty of Lisbon.

Two main issues will be addressed. First, the idea of 'resurgent inter-governmentalism' - having reaffirmed their role as 'masters of the treaties', how far will the member states capitalise on this renewed potency in the daily functioning of the Union institutions?

Secondly, the risk of 'constitutionalism moribund' - having rejected at the highest political level an expressly 'constitutional basis' for the integration process, how far will the ratification crisis and the Treaty of Lisbon affect the Union's character as an organisation based on the rule of law and protection of individual rights, and influence ongoing debates about the constitutional character of European integration.

The seminar is being organised by the European Documentation and Research Centre (EDRC) in conjunction with the Malta European Studies Association (MESA) with the European Commission's support. For further information and to book, contact Doris Mangion by March 4 via e-mail: doris.mangion@um.edu.mt.