1. Chapter 7: The European Union

2. THE EU
1. WEBSITE FOR THE EU

3. THE EU
2. What is the EU?

4. THE EU
2. It is a SUPRANATIONAL ORGANIZATION
Teacher say what?

5. THE EU
2. It is a SUPRANATIONAL ORGANIZATION – An authority that transcends national borders

6. THE EU
2. “It is a unique economic and political partnership between 27 democratic European countries.”
Europa

7. THE EU
3. Which countries are members of the EU?
MAP TIME

8. THE EU
3. Which countries are members of the EU?
You are to fill in the Blank Map of the EU with the names of all Member Countries

9. THE EU

10. THE EU

11. THE EU
CHARTER MEMBERS – 1957
France, Germany, Italy, Belgium, Luxembourg and the Netherlands

12. THE EU
1973- Britain, Ireland, Denmark
1981 – Greece
1986 – Spain and Portugal
1995 – Finland, Austria, and Sweden

13. THE EU
Historic 2004
Cyprus, Czech Republic, Hungary, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia

14. THE EU
2007 – Bulgaria and Romania

15. THE EU
Member Candidates:
Turkey, Croatia, Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Serbia, and the Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia

16. THE EU
On the outside but not really looking in:
Norway, Switzerland, Iceland, Lichtenstein

19. Thinking About The EU 4. Key Questions How and why did the EU emerge?
What is its political culture and how does it shape the way people participate in its political life?
What are the main decision-making bodies?
What are its critical public policy initiatives?
How do the European people learn about and react to those policies?
How will the EU and its institutions be affected by broadening and deepening?

20. Thinking About The EU 5. Three Pillars of the EU
- Trade and economic cooperation
Cooperation in Justice and Home Affairs (social)
Create a Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP)

21. Thinking About The EU
Mission of the EU:
provide peace, prosperity and stability for its peoples;
overcome the divisions on the continent;
ensure that its people can live in safety;
promote balanced economic and social development;
meet the challenges of globalisation and preserve the diversity of the peoples of Europe;
uphold the values that Europeans share, such as sustainable development and a sound environment, respect for human rights and the social market economy.

22. Thinking About The EU
Is the EU a “STATE”?
DISCUSS NOW

23. Is the EU a “STATE”? Yes DUE TO: Flag Logo Governing Bodies
Thinking About The EU
Is the EU a “STATE”?
Yes DUE TO:
Flag
Logo
Governing Bodies

24. 3 Active Capital Cities in Brussels, Luxembourg, and Strasbourg (FR)
Thinking About The EU
Is the EU a “STATE”?
Yes DUE TO:
3 Active Capital Cities in Brussels, Luxembourg, and Strasbourg (FR)

25. Major world powers have embassies in Brussels devoted to EU relations
Thinking About The EU
Is the EU a “STATE”?
Yes DUE TO:
Major world powers have embassies in Brussels devoted to EU relations

26. Is the EU a “STATE”? Yes DUE TO: A Common Currency The Euro
Thinking About The EU
Is the EU a “STATE”?
Yes DUE TO:
A Common Currency
The Euro

27. Euro not accepted as common currency all over No common Lingo
Thinking About The EU
Is the EU a “STATE”?
NO DUE TO:
Euro not accepted as common currency all over
No common Lingo
No single government / policy makers

28. Some nations are not fully invested or accepting of the EU concept
Thinking About The EU
Is the EU a “STATE”?
NO DUE TO:
Some nations are not fully invested or accepting of the EU concept
Public Opinion is not fully supportive either

29. The Evolution of the EU HOMEWORK TIME
MAKE A TIMELINE OF THE EU HIGHLIGHTING THE FOLLOWING YEARS:
1950/
1967/

30. The Evolution of the EU The Treaty of Paris The Treaty of Rome
The Schengen Agreement
The Single European Act
The Maastricht Treaty
The Treaty of Amsterdam
The Treaty of Nice
The Lisbon Treaty

32. LEGITIMACY
What is meant by the term “legitimacy”?

33. LEGITIMACY
Where does the EU get its sense of “Legitimacy”?

34. LEGITIMACY LEGITMACY =
1.) The Numerous treaties and referendum processes
2.) its efforts to promote trade, economic growth, and economic stability.
3.) Its methods of representation – both of nations and of citizens
4.) Its requirements of unanimity and qualified majority voting

35. MEMBERSHIP PROCESS
1. European Integration is a political and economic process open to ALL European nations
2. Any European state may apply to become a member of the Community

36. MEMBERSHIP PROCESS
3. Then it is a process of negotiation between the candidate country and the European Commission
4. Acceptance into the EU requires a unanimous vote of all member states in the Council

37. MEMBERSHIP PROCESS
5. Next, the European Parliament must give its Assent by positive vote of absolute majority
4. Then finally, the new member states must ratify all EU treaties according to the state’s constitutional procedures (Like by referendum of the citizens)

38. MEMBERSHIP PROCESS CRITERIA FOR ACCEPTANCE
-See the “Copenhagen Criteria” of 1993 and the Amsterdam Treaty of 1997
Each new member state must have the following:

39. MEMBERSHIP PROCESS CRITERIA FOR ACCEPTANCE
1. Stable democratic institutions with guarantees for rule of law, human rights, and respect for / protection of minority rights

40. MEMBERSHIP PROCESS CRITERIA FOR ACCEPTANCE
2. A functioning market economy and the capacity to cope with competitive pressure and market forces within the EU

41. MEMBERSHIP PROCESS CRITERIA FOR ACCEPTANCE
3. “Acquis Communautaire” - The ability to take on and accept the body of laws and regulations of the EU as well as have a public administration capable of applying and managing EU laws in practice

42. INSTITUTIONS OF THE EU
The Founding Fathers of the EU had many of the same problems over representation and power that the USA had in 1787.
How to accommodate such drastically different nations:
Big nations v. small nations
Rich nations v. poor nations

43. INSTITUTIONS OF THE EU
The following slides lay out the basics of the institutions of the EU
1. EU “Primary Legislation” is all of the TREATIES that exist between the member states.

44. INSTITUTIONS OF THE EU
2. “Secondary Legislation” of the EU is all of the regulations, directives and recommendations adopted by the various EU institutions

45. INSTITUTIONS OF THE EU
Legislation in the EU is the result of decisions taken by the Institutional Triangle or the Decision-Making Triangle of the EU

46. INSTITUTIONS OF THE EU I. THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION
What is it?
It is the Main Decision-Making body of the EU

47. INSTITUTIONS OF THE EU I. THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION
Who does it represent?
It represents each of the member states

48. INSTITUTIONS OF THE EU I. THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION
Who is part of the Council?
Each country sends a Minister to the meetings in Brussels and which Minister it is depends on the topic of the meeting, Foreign policy, environment, agriculture, industry, etc.

49. INSTITUTIONS OF THE EU I. THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION
Who is part of the Council?
When the Heads of State / Government meet, it is called the “EUROPEAN COUNCIL” which meets 4 x per year
The President of the European Commission is also on the Council

50. INSTITUTIONS OF THE EU I. THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION
The “EUROPEAN COUNCIL” is the official initiator of the EU’s major policies and has power to settle differences among the Ministers

51. INSTITUTIONS OF THE EU I. THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION
The “EUROPEAN COUNCIL” also operates under the CFSP for diplomatic and international issues

52. INSTITUTIONS OF THE EU I. THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION
The leader of the COUNCIL is the COUNCIL PRESIDENT
EU Member states share this position and alternate every 6 months

53. INSTITUTIONS OF THE EU I. THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION
POWERS / DUTIES / ROLE:
A.) “CO-DECISION” procedure allows that the Council and the EU Parliament share legislative power. Council prepares drafts of bills and the EP enacts them

54. INSTITUTIONS OF THE EU I. THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION
POWERS / DUTIES / ROLE:
B.) The Council shares equal responsibility with the EP for adopting the budget of the EU

55. INSTITUTIONS OF THE EU I. THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION
POWERS / DUTIES / ROLE:
C.) It concludes international agreements negotiated by the European Commission

56. INSTITUTIONS OF THE EU I. THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION
VOTING PROCESS – Very complicated
1.) UNANIMOUS – on important questions like new Treaties, a new common policy or new members

57. INSTITUTIONS OF THE EU I. THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION
VOTING PROCESS – Very complicated
2.) QUALIFIED MAJORITY VOTE – No need for unanimity but will need 255 out of 345 (73.9%) votes in Council
See Handout for specifics

58. INSTITUTIONS OF THE EU I. THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION
VOTING PROCESS – Very complicated
2.) QUALIFIED MAJORITY VOTE – Why do this?
It keeps larger states from dominating and smaller states from blocking something that has broad based support
increases legitimacy

59. INSTITUTIONS OF THE EU I. THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION
VOTING PROCESS – Very complicated
3.) Simple Majority Vote – All other cases

60. 2. EUORPEAN PARLIAMENT A. What? The EU’ legislative arm
But historically the weakest institution
B. Membership Selection?
785 members elected directly by universal suffrage from the member states for 5 year terms
So it represents the EU citizens in each state

61. 2. EUORPEAN PARLIAMENT C. Role / Powers:
Exercises Democratic Political supervision over day-to-day EU activities and policies
Plays a role in the legislative process
Helps create and approve the EU budget
Can dismiss the EC by a Censure motion with 2/3 vote
President of Council reports directly to EP

62. 2. EUORPEAN PARLIAMENT D. Organization:
Meets in Strasbourg but also in Brussels
Operates through 20 subject area committees
Also has the EU General Secretariat with over 3500 bureaucrats working

63. 2. EUORPEAN PARLIAMENT F. 3 Special Powers in Leg Process:
1.) “Cooperation” Procedure – Single European Act of 1987 – The EP can give its opinion on draft directives and regulations of the EC which then has to amend those proposals

64. 2. EUORPEAN PARLIAMENT F. 3 Special Powers in Leg Process:
2.) “ASSENT” Procedure – Since 1987 – EP gives its assent to international agreements negotiated by EC and to any proposed enlargement (Broadening)

65. 2. EUORPEAN PARLIAMENT F. 3 Special Powers in Leg Process:
3.) “CO-DECISION” Procedure – 1992 Maastricht Treaty – EP = to Council
EP has power to veto (throw out) proposed leg by the Council in areas of free movement, internal market, education, research, the environment, health, culture, etc.

66. 3. EUROPEAN COMMISSION A. The executive arm of the EU
B. Membership Selection: 1 Commissioner from each state appointed by agreement between members for 5 year terms (subject of the approval of the EP)

67. 3. EUROPEAN COMMISSION C. Powers / Role:
“Guardians of the Treaties” – UPHOLD THE COMMON INTERESTS
EC upholds all of the supranational common interest so commissioners cannot take instructions from any national EU government
-Supposed to be unbiased toward any nation

68. 3. EUROPEAN COMMISSION C. Powers / Role:
Right to propose legislation to Council and to EP
Ensure that EU policies are properly implemented in states – Bring members to ECJ if not in compliance
Has to answer to EP and must resign if censured by 2/3 rds vote of the EP

69. 3. EUROPEAN COMMISSION D. Organization:
It has a civil service made up of 46 Directorates-General (DG’s) working with the commissioners
It works out of Brussels and Luxembourg

70. ADDITIONAL INSTITUTIONS
1. ECJ – EUROPEAN COURT OF JUSTICE
A. Where? Luxembourg
B. Organization? 1 judge from each EU country, assisted by 8 Advocates-General
Appointed by joint agreement of members governments for 6 year terms

71. ADDITIONAL INSTITUTIONS
1. ECJ – EUROPEAN COURT OF JUSTICE
C. Powers / Role: Independence is guaranteed
Ensure that EU law is complied with and that Treaties are correctly interpreted and applied
Court of first instance (original jurisdiction) for cases involving EU directives and regulations

72. ADDITIONAL INSTITUTIONS
1. ECJ – EUROPEAN COURT OF JUSTICE
Decisions have frequently made major expansion of the EU’s authority possible
Actions have limited national sovereignty in favor of the EU’s institutions

73. ADDITIONAL INSTITUTIONS
2. COURT OF AUDITORS
A. Where? Luxembourg
B. Membership: 1 from each EU country appointed for a 6 year term by agreement between member states

74. ADDITIONAL INSTITUTIONS
2. COURT OF AUDITORS
C. Role: Checks that all EU revenue is received and all expenditures are proper and that EU budget is managed soundly
It is the independent accounting “firm” or arm of the EU
It is there to ensure confidence in the honesty of the EU’s fiscal activities

75. ADDITIONAL INSTITUTIONS
3. European Economic and Social Committee
A. What? It is made up of representatives of the various economic and social interest groups that are the EU “Civil Society”
Represents the Corporatist Interests of EU
Members are appointed by the Council for 4 year terms

76. ADDITIONAL INSTITUTIONS
3. European Economic and Social Committee
B. Role: The Council and the EC are to consult with this organization as policy is being considered

77. ADDITIONAL INSTITUTIONS
4. COMMITTEE OF THE REGIONS
A. What? Made up of representatives of regional and local governments whoa re proposed by the member states and are appointed by the Council for 4 year terms
Represents the local interests, authorities and minority cultural groups

78. ADDITIONAL INSTITUTIONS
4. COMMITTEE OF THE REGIONS
B. Role: Council and EC must consult the CoR on issues of relevance to regions
CoR has power to issue opinions on issues

79. ADDITIONAL INSTITUTIONS
5. EUROPEAN OMBUDSMAN
An office that responds to individual citizen complaints about EU operations
It gives a voice to grievances found to be legitimate by the EO’s officials

80. ADDITIONAL INSTITUTIONS
6. EUROPEAN INVESTMENT BANK
Based in Luxembourg
Provides loans and guarantees to help less developed EU regions and help businesses become more competitive
(DID THIS JUST GET TAKEN OVER BY SOME OTHER INSTITUTION???)

81. ADDITIONAL INSTITUTIONS
7. EUROPEAN CENTRAL BANK (ECB)
One of the “POWER INSTITUTIONS”
Where? Frankfurt, Germany (Gee what a surprise)

82. ADDITIONAL INSTITUTIONS
7. EUROPEAN CENTRAL BANK (ECB)
Role: Manages the EURO
makes monetary policy (sets interest rates), regulates foreign exchange, and issues currency for members of the Monetary Union (12 of the 15 original EU members)

83. ADDITIONAL INSTITUTIONS
7. EUROPEAN CENTRAL BANK (ECB)
It has a Governing Council (the heads of the 12 member countries’ national banks and six executives of the ECB) is totally independent in the exercise of its policies
Goals are economic growth and price stability (less than 2% inflation per year)

84. Popular Culture and Participation in the EU
Few people identify themselves first as European.
Key EU organizations are still superficial
Democratic deficit
Lack of common language

85. The European State? The Commission The Council General Affairs Council
European Council
COREPRER
Qualified voting majority

90. The European State? The Complexities of EU Decision Making
Policy making more complex and confusing because it has to reconcile interests of its 27 member states with those that transcend national boundaries and the institutions are greatly fragmented.
Still being built

91. The European State? Next Steps?
Further broadening and deepening seem unlikely in the foreseeable future
Criteria to join:
Establishment of a functioning and stable democratic regime
Adoption of a market-oriented capitalist economy
Acceptance of the acquis communautaire, the 80,000 pages of laws and regulations already on the EU’s books
To be a “United States of Europe,” need commitment to a common foreign and security policy.

92. The European State? The EU and National Sovereignty
Can it supplant the state and the primary actor determining public policy and the broader ways in which people are governed?

93. Public Policy in the EU The Internal Market
The removal of tariffs and other barriers to trade
Tremendous impact on both European governments and their citizens
Monetary union
The euro
EMU gives the EU and its new central bank powerful levers they can exert over national governments

94. Public Policy in the EU Common Agricultural Policy
Took steps to modernize inefficient farms to be more competitive in the European market
Established the EAFFF, giving farmers subsidies and guaranteeing the purchase of surplus goods at artificially high prices.
Demonstrates how pressure put on member states can lead to policies that tend to impede a free market and also make the EU resistant to change.
More recent reforms on the CAP have been forced on the EU by the GATT and the WTO.
CAP will not be able to survive the 2004 enlargement

95. Feedback
There is very little feedback because of the way the EU is structured and the way people participate (or don’t) in it.
People pay little attention to the politics and policies of the EU.
Turnout in European elections is much lower than in national ones.
Coverage in the press is spotty and concentrates on its problems.
Difficult for average people to have much of an impact on decision making; distance and disinterest.