Overview European history characterised by regular wars and rise of nation states in 19 th century. Two world wars ( and ) started in Europe. European integration a reaction to disaster of World War Two with Europe divided and onset of Cold War. Last fifty years most prosperous, stable and secure in European history. But now very serious sovereign debt crisis.

History (2) EU a sui generis form of multi-level governance. First ever supra-national form of government. EU institutions and bureaucracy very powerful in certain circumstances – and at certain times in EU history Much controversy over ‘unelected Brussels bureaucrats’ Related to debate on democratic deficit

Enlargement 1973 UK, Ireland, Denmark 1981 Greece 1984 Spain and Portugal 1995 Finland, Sweden, Austria 2004 Estonia, Lithuania, Latvia, Poland, Slovakia, Czech Republic, Hungary, Slovenia, Cyprus, Malta 2007 Romania, Bulgaria 2013 Croatia

Treaties 1952 European Coal and Steel Community 1958 Treaty of Rome (EEC) 1986 Single European Act (QMV for Internal Market) 1991 Treaty of Maastricht (European Union, pillar system, CFSP, euro) 1997 Treaty of Amsterdam (defence) 2001 Treaty of Nice (voting, prep for enlargement) 2009 Treaty of Lisbon (making EU more effective, coherent and visible – especially in foreign policy)

EU Institutions European Commission: powerful supra-national bureaucracy (25,000 staff) Council – meetings of the 27 member states, with own secretariat European Parliament (750 directly elected members) European Court of Justice - its authority overrules national courts in areas of EU competence European External Action Service – deals with foreign policy

Community System European Commission proposes and EP and Council decide by QMV if necessary Visionary system outlined by Founding Fathers Essential to secure passage of Internal Market legislation (Thatcher strong supporter) QMV rarely used but option affects dynamic of decision making EU does not like to isolate a member state

Democratic Deficit Many criticise EU for lack of democratic control – although EP is directly elected and Council members based on democratic mandate Could easily be changed by direct elections for Commission President – but member states not willing Most legislation very technical Feeling of remoteness from citizens

Theoretical debates Realists believe in state centric approach ; member states are ultimate decision takers Neo-functionalists believe in spill-over effect; single market implies single currency EU a unique system of multi-level governance, with important roles for institutions, EU and national officials

Lisbon treaty Acceleration of treaty changes – SEA (1986), Maastricht (1992), Amsterdam (1997), Nice (2001), Lisbon (2009) Lisbon introduces EU President of the Council, new High Representative for foreign policy, greater scrutiny role for national parliaments, more power for EP, more QMV: but no significant new powers for the EU

Influence of officials Always important e.g. drafting legislation Sometimes more influential than others Depends on political and economic climate Delors (and staff) worked closely with Kohl and Mitterrand Commission as think tank, drafter, enforcer Pan-European perspective; always present

Euro crisis Global economic crisis started summer 2008 also affected EU Many countries borrowing too much – living beyond their means – especially Greece, Ireland, Spain. Speculation against euro meant massive intervention from European Central Bank Austerity budgets necessary but very unpopular; no country wants to leave the eurozone Euro has been as high as 1.49 to US$ and as low as 90c, now at $1.30

EU – Relevance for Asia Key concepts include Tolerance Vision Leadership Political will Economic compatibility Agreed programme Strong Institutions

Conclusion EU a work in progress – just over 50 years old Europe never been so secure, stable and prosperous Union very complicated but reflects wishes – and compromises – made by member states Multi-level system of governance EU institutions powerful catalyst Vital to overcome current sovereign debt crisis and regain confidence in EU 2014 important year for EU – changes in leadership