The European Union

Shared values: liberty, democracy, respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, and the rule of law.Shared values: liberty, democracy, respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, and the rule of law. The world’s largest economic body.The world’s largest economic body. The world’s most successful model for regional integration and for advancing peace and democracy.The world’s most successful model for regional integration and for advancing peace and democracy. A unique institution as Member States voluntarily cede national sovereignty in many areas to carry out common policies and governance.A unique institution as Member States voluntarily cede national sovereignty in many areas to carry out common policies and governance. It is not a super-state which replaces existing states. Nor is it simply an organization for international cooperation.It is not a super-state which replaces existing states. Nor is it simply an organization for international cooperation million Member States Combined population of EU Member States Percent of world’s population Percent of global GDP 60 Percent of combined worldwide Official Development Assistance What is The European Union?

Part 1: A Brief History “ Peace, Prosperity, and Partnership”

Supranationalism Supranational Organizations: organizations in which nations are not totally sovereign actorsSupranational Organizations: organizations in which nations are not totally sovereign actors Reflects trend of integrationReflects trend of integration –Process that encourages states to pool their sovereignty in order to gain political, economic, and social clout

Why Form a European Union? Began after WWII in an effort to repair nations’ economies in a war-torn EuropeBegan after WWII in an effort to repair nations’ economies in a war-torn Europe Initial goals were almost completely economic in intentInitial goals were almost completely economic in intent

Evolution of Integration 1949 Council of Europe formed, but had little power1949 Council of Europe formed, but had little power 1950 a supranational authority was formed to coordinate coal and steel industries1950 a supranational authority was formed to coordinate coal and steel industries

Evolution of Integration 1957 the EEC (Eur Economic Community) – established by Treaty of Rome1957 the EEC (Eur Economic Community) – established by Treaty of Rome –Informally named the “Common Market” –Eliminated all tariffs between European nations and creation of new ones

Evolution of Integration 1965 the EC (European Community) was established1965 the EC (European Community) was established Expanded the organization's functions beyond economics to include a unified approach to peaceful use of atomic energyExpanded the organization's functions beyond economics to include a unified approach to peaceful use of atomic energy

Finally, the EU!

Part 2: Membership

Current Membership

Under Consideration for Membership

Requirements for Membership

Part 3: Institutions

5 Main Institutions (1-3 = Iron Triangle)

5 Main Institutions

Institutions – The Commission

Institutions – The Council of Ministers

Institutions – The European Parliament (EP)

Institutions – The European Court of Justice (ECJ)

Part 4: Key Policies A Quick Intro… A Quick Intro…

Key Policies – Single Market

Key Policies – Monetary Policy

Key Policies – Agriculture

Key Policies – Defense

Key Policies – Justice/Home Affairs

Part 5: Current Issues

Current Issues