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The EU – Historical Overview

The EU – Historical Overview. Overview. European history characterised by regular wars and rise of nation states in 19 th century. Two world wars (1914-18 and 1939-45) started in Europe. European integration a reaction to disaster of World War Two with Europe divided and onset of Cold War.

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The EU – Historical Overview

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  1. The EU – Historical Overview

  2. Overview • European history characterised by regular wars and rise of nation states in 19th century. • Two world wars (1914-18 and 1939-45) 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.

  3. 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

  4. 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

  5. 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)

  6. 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

  7. 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

  8. 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

  9. 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

  10. 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

  11. 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

  12. 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

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

  14. 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

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