FACTBOX - Main points of EU's reform treaty

(Reuters) - Irish voters go to the polls on Thursday to decide in a referendum whether to ratify the Lisbon Treaty reforming the European Union's institutions.

Designed to give the bloc stronger leadership, a more effective foreign policy and a fairer decision-making system, the text incorporates key reforms in the constitution rejected by French and Dutch voters in 2005.

But it discards the name, structure and symbols.

Here are some of the main points of the 250-page treaty.

INSTITUTIONS - EU leaders will choose a president of the European Council for a renewable 2-1/2 year term, to strengthen the current system of rotating presidencies.

A powerful new foreign policy chief, at the head of an EU foreign service, will give the bloc a greater say on the world stage. The High Representative will answer to EU governments but also be vice-president of the European Commission and manage the EU executive's large external aid budget.

The Eurogroup of finance ministers of countries that share the euro single currency is formalised for the first time and elects a chairman for a renewable 2-1/2-year term.

Member states will benefit from a NATO-style mutual defence clause in the event that one of them is attacked.

The European Court of Justice will be given more power by being allowed to rule for the first time on whether national legislation on justice and home affairs is compatible with EU laws -- except for Britain and Ireland, which secured opt-outs.