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.

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

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

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

Obstacles to a More Perfect Union

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.

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.

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

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

Qualified Majority Vote Small states are over-represented.

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.

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

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

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

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

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)

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

Bill Marsh. “It’s All Connected: An Overview of the Euro Crisis.” New York Times. 22 October

McDonalds and the EU Answer the following for your article. 1.Describe the conflict. a.Argument of member state b.Argument of EU 2.What EU institution is involved? 3.How was the issue resolved?

McDonalds Member State: EU: EU Institution: Resolution:

Schengen Zone Est (treaty signed in Schengen, Luxembourg) 25 states (not UK) Single external border Passport-free movement Some similar immigration rules. Enhanced police and judicial cooperation.

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.

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.