Charter of Fundamental Rights

Not only is the Lisbon Treaty unmanageably long and ponderous, but it also contains this:

The Union recognises the rights, freedoms and principles set out in the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union of 7 December 2000, as adapted at Strasbourg, on 12 December 2007, which shall have the same legal value as the Treaties.

The provisions of the Charter shall not extend in any way the competences of the Union as defined in the Treaties.

The rights, freedoms and principles in the Charter shall be interpreted in accordance with the general provisions in Title VII of the Charter governing its interpretation and application and with due regard to the explanations referred to in the Charter, that set out the sources of those provisions.

That means you have to read – and understand – the Charter of Fundamental Rights too before you can pass judgment on the Treaty. Being an informed voter is just too big a job.