Chapter Six. Explaining the Development of Ec/eu-baltic Relations: Internal and External Factors

Abstract

An analysis of the positions adopted by the representatives of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania within the Convention and the IGC gives an indication about the priorities of the latter countries within the European Union (EU). Pursuant to Article 48 EU, Treaty amendments in the EU require the approval of all Member States under constitutional procedures. The tension between the constitutional provisions on the ratification of international agreements by the national parliaments and the organization of referendums on issues of national concern raises interesting legal questions. In principle, the constitutional systems of the three Baltic States provide for the possibility of constitutional review before the ratification of an international agreement. In practice, however, no constitutional review procedures were initiated with regard to the Europe Agreement, the Accession Treaty, the Treaty establishing a Constitution for Europe or the Lisbon Treaty.Keywords: Baltic states; Estonia; European constitutionalisation; international agreements; Latvia; Lithuania