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The European Union

The European Union. 27 countries Supranational Organization Organization that transcends state borders Political Integration States pool sovereignty P olitical, economic, social benefits. Share policies and rules. THE UNITED NATIONS Established in 1945 193 countries

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The European Union

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  1. The European Union 27 countries Supranational Organization Organization that transcends state borders Political Integration States pool sovereignty Political, economic, social benefits. Share policies and rules.

  2. THE UNITED NATIONS • Established in 1945 • 193 countries • “Peacekeeping” capabilities (military) • Conflict Prevention • Humanitarian Assistance • Forum for international dialogue THE WORLD TRADE ORGANIZATION • Established in 1994 • 153 countries • All major economies, but Russia. • Emphasis on FREE trade • Create and administer trade agreements.

  3. Three Pillars of EU • Trade and economic matters. • Justice and home affairs (borders, immigration, crime.) • Common foreign and security policy.

  4. Criteria for Membership • Stable and functioning democratic regime. • Market-oriented economy. • Acceptance of EU laws and regulations.

  5. Obstacles to a More Perfect Union

  6. EU Timeline • European Coal and Steel Community (1951) • 6 Countries • Single Market for coal and steel • Gradual elimination of trade barriers. • Containment during Cold War • European Economic Community (1957) • Expanding beyond coal and steel. • Free internal trade. • Creation of external tariffs.

  7. The EU Timeline • European Community (1965) • Expanding beyond economics. • Included unified approach to atomic energy. • European Union (1991) • Maastricht Treaty • Expanded authority into more policy areas. • Creation of common currency: THE EURO.

  8. EU ORGANIZATION The Commission • 27 members: One from each state. • 1 president Role • Each heads a “Directorate.” • Somewhat similar to a cabinet • Initiates/proposes legislation • Oversee implementation of laws/programs

  9. The Council of the EU • Ministers from each state (i.e., Finance and Foreign ministers.) • Meet depending on the issue. Role • Commission proposals must be approved by Council to become law. • Voting • Number of votes per state roughly equal to pop. • Small states benefit • Qualified majority voting • Majority of states must approve. • 255 of 345 votes must be cast.

  10. Qualified Majority Vote • Small states are over-represented.

  11. President of the Council of the EU • 6- month basis. • President is not a single person, but a country. • Council meetings are chaired by the relevant minister of the country holding the presidency. • For example: • Environmental meeting held in Aug 2012 is chaired by Cyprus’ Environmental Minister. • http://europa.eu/about-eu/institutions-bodies/council-eu/index_en.htm

  12. European Council • Heads of government of all states • Sets overall political direction • Meet 2-4 times a year. • Has its own president elected to a 2 ½ year term. • This president is an individual person.

  13. European Parliament • Members of European Parliament (MEP) • Voted by citizens • Number of seats per country based roughly on pop. Role • Weakest part of EU • Legislative CODECISION • Approve and suggest amendments to Commission’s proposals. • If Parliament rejects, Council can override veto.

  14. European Court of Justice • One justice from each country • Power of judicial review • View EU laws as supreme • Limits national sovereignty

  15. Democratic Deficit • Lack of public involvement • Only Parliament is directly elected. • Lack of accountability. • Low Political efficacy. • Parliament • Directly elected • Commission • Appointed by European Council • Council of Ministers • Appointed by head of govt. • Court of Justice • Appointed by states

  16. European Central Bank • Manages the Euro • Controls MONETARY POLICY • Money supply & interest rates. • EUROZONE • 17 EU nations have adopted the Euro. • EU countries not in the Eurozone: • Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Denmark, Latvia, Lithuania, Hungary, Poland, Romania, Sweden and the United Kingdom • 1 Euro = $1.30 (10/26/12)

  17. “It’s All Connected: An Overview of the Euro Crisis.”

  18. Bill Marsh. “It’s All Connected: An Overview of the Euro Crisis.” New York Times. 22 October 2011. http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2011/10/23/sunday-review/an-overview-of-the-euro-crisis.html?ref=greece

  19. McDonalds and the EU Answer the following for your article. • Describe the conflict. • Argument of member state • Argument of EU • What EU institution is involved? • How was the issue resolved?

  20. McDonalds • Member State: • EU: • EU Institution: • Resolution:

  21. Schengen Zone • Est. 1985 (treaty signed in Schengen, Luxembourg) • 25 states(not UK) • Single external border • Passport-free movement • Some similar immigration rules. • Enhanced police and judicial cooperation. • http://www.civitas.org.uk/eufacts/schengenmap.html

  22. Lisbon Treaty (2009) Decrease Democratic Deficit • More legislative power to EU Parliament Increase EU influence in World Affairs. • 2 ½ year term for European Council President. (Different from Presidency of the Council of the EU). • New Post: High Representative in World Affairs.

  23. President of the Council of the EU • 6- month basis. • President is not a single person, but a country. • Council meetings are chaired by the relevant minister of the country holding the presidency. • For example: • Environmental meeting held in Aug 2012 is chaired by Cyprus’ Environmental Minister. • http://europa.eu/about-eu/institutions-bodies/council-eu/index_en.htm

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