1 The European Union

2 Some basic information The EU currently includes 27 states It has 23 official languages The EU has a population of over 500 million –U.S. population is 315 million An area of around 1.6 million sq miles –U.S. is 3.8 million sq miles Population density of 300 per sq mile –U.S. is 88 persons per sq mile

3 European Coal and Steel Community

4 Later developments Treaty of Rome (1957) creates EEC (AKA the common market During the 1960s, EEC develops a common agricultural policy EEC also adopts free trade among its members During the 80s and 90s, southern European countries join (and get aid)

5 Maastricht Treaty (1993) Name changed to European Union Four freedoms adopted: goods Services People Money EU obtains more power over immigration and border control Also education and public health

6 EU members today

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10 Treaty of Lisbon This consolidates and amends the previous Treaties. It addresses: making the EU more democratic, efficient and transparent tackling global challenges such as climate change, security and sustainable development it was ratified by all EU countries and entered into force in 2009.

11 EUROPEAN INSTITUTIONS The European Council The European Parliament The Council of the EU (aka Council of Ministers in the Glendon book) European Commission The European Court of Justice (ECJ)

12 EUROPEAN COUNCIL

13 European Parliament

14 European Commission

15 European Court of Justice

16 Functions of the ECJ Interprets treaties and legislation of the EU Ensures that EU legislation is consistent with treaties Can make preliminary determinations (advisory rulings) on the above matters at the request of Member States highest courts

17 Types (sources) of Law in the EU There are three types or sources of law: primary: treaties secondary: EU legislation authorized by the treaties –directives (must be implemented by Member States) –regulations (directly applicable to all Member States) –decisions (administrative) tertiary: ECJ decisions, etc.

18 European Convention on Human Rights Adopted in 1953 Rights protected include: –Freedom of life, liberty, privacy, conscience and religion, fair trials, expression and association, etc. –Prohibitions against servitude, torture, and discrimination It is enforced by the European Court of Human Rights in Luxemburg Binding on all EU Member States (via Lisbon treaty)

19 Growing Power of EU Law Consumer protection Anti-competition law Re-cycling of e-waste Monetary Policy WILL THE EU EVER BECOME ONE NATION???