'… Piris' book focuses, as the title suggests, on a two-sided analysis (legal and political) of the Lisbon Treaty. It is an exquisite mixture of information and academic analyses … This is a useful handbook for those studying community law or … EU related topics, both professors and students … the book is well organised, each chapter referring to individualised matters, accompanied by sufficient examples and explanations that rule out any possible after-reading dilemmas … Piris' work is exceptional regarding the modifications introduced by the Lisbon Treaty to the European Union. It is comprehensive, has a neutral tone, the argument is well balanced and well documented … strongly recommended to those professionals interested in any aspects related to the European Union, as well as to those interested in precise matters, looking for answers or simply an authorised opinion on the matter.' Oana Elena Branda, CEU Political Science Journal.