An international agreement between the European Union (EU) countries that amends the Maastricht Treaty and the Treaty of Rome, and comprises the constitutional basis of the EU. It provides a legal framework for achieving the goals of the EU: ‘a more democratic and transparent Europe; a more efficient Europe, a Europe of rights and values, freedom, solidarity and security; and Europe as an actor on the global stage’. The agreement was signed and ratified by the 27 EU member countries, and entered in force on 1 December 2009.