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Treaty changes

At present, the EU treaties can be amended unanimously by an intergovernmental conference - one member state can therefore block a Treaty change. The final decision must then be sent for ratification by the national parliaments (in some countries by an extended majority) or referenda.

Future

The  Lisbon Treaty  proposes the "Convention-Method" for treaty amendments (Article 48.2 TEU. Member States, the EP and the Commission would be able to initiate amendments. Then, the European Council would decide by simple majority if a Convention should be convened. The Convention would decide "by common accord" whether to adopt or not to adopt these amendments.  Amendments adopted by the Convention would then have to be ratified by all member states before entering into force.  

Furthermore, the Lisbon Treaty foresees “simplified revision procedure” in Art. 48.6 and 48.7 TEU, the first followed by national ratification, the second simplified method without ratification.

- Revision by the European Council (not IGC nor Convention) by unanimity on a proposal from Commission, Member State or EP – entry into force after ratification by the Member States (Art. 48.6 TEU);
- General passerelle:  European Council moves unanimity to QMV or special to ordinary legislative procedure by unanimity – no ratifications needed, but veto rights of national parliaments  (Art. 48.7 TEU)