1. History of the European Union
Frank Hilterman
23-25 April 2003
Riga, Latvia

2. History of the European Union
1948 Conference of the Hague
1952 European Steel and Coal Community
1957 Treaty of Rome
1969 Conference of the Hague
1972 Accession of United Kingdom, Ireland and Denmark
1981 Accession of Greece
1985 Single European Act
1986 Accession of Spain and Portugal
1992 Treaty of Maastricht
1997 Treaty of Amsterdam
2000 Treaty of Nice

3. Treaty of Maastricht European Union Three pillars:
First pillar: European Communities
Second pillar: Common foreign and security policy
Third pillar: Home affairs and justice

4. European Law European Union/ European Communities European Treaties
EU Treaty
EC Treaty
ECSC Treaty
Euratom
Regulations
Directives
Decisions
Communications
Open Co-ordination method

5. European Institutions

6. Council of Ministers To co-ordinate general policy
Legislative authority
Budgetary authority
Authority to conclude treaties
Coreper

7. European Commission Supervision Power of decision Right of initiative
Own authority
Delegation by the council
Right of initiative
Negotiation
Advisory authority

8. European Parliament Budgetary authority Supervisory authority
Legislative authority
Advisory authority

9. Decision making procedures
Consultation procedure
Co-operation procedure
Co-decision procedure
Assent procedure
Budget procedure

10. Court of Justice
Main role to ensure that European Law is observed in the interpretation of the treaties.
Court of first instance
To relieve the Court of Justice

11. Court of Auditors
In charge with the auditing of the revenues and expenses of the European Union

12. Economic and Social Committee
Representation of employees and employers
Also SME’s, consumer organisations and environmental organisations

13. Committee of the Regions
Representation of local and regional authorities