” “"What are the EU’s 10 greatest successes of 2007?": a question answered by the EU Commission on its own website (www.ec.europa.eu). In the year of the fiftieth anniversary of the establishment of the community, the most important goal achieved, according to the EU Executive, is the adoption of the Lisbon Treaty, "to make the operation of the 27-member EU more efficient and democratic", by giving wider powers to the European Parliament and to the national parliaments. "Another important result also according to this list drawn up by the EU Commission is the creation of new jobs and the attendant decrease in unemployment all over Europe, not least because of the soundness of the European economy and stable prices supported by the strong euro". Third of the success list is, according to Barroso’s team, the assumption of responsibility "as a world leader, heading the fight against global warming and its consequences". Fourth of the list is the extension of the Schengen zone, followed by the "reduction in mobile phone rates when travelling abroad". Other references focus on foreign policy, energy, consumers’ defence.” “
