Institutions of the EU
Lecture 1: 10-02-2016
Exam:
- MC
EU basics
To begin with…
Composed of sovereign states who have pooled some of their sovereignty in
order to gain strength and the benefits of size
Every action taken by the EU is founded on treaties that have been approved
voluntarily and democratically by all EU countries
Somewhere between the fully federal system found in the USA and the loose
intergovernmental cooperation system found in the United Nations
Every action taken by the EU is founded on treaties. They lay down the objectives of the EU
to give new areas of responsibility.
- Treaty of Paris
European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC) signed in 1951 and enforced in 1952.
- Treaties of Rome (EURATOM)
European Economic Community & European Atomic Energy community. Signed in
1957 and enforced in 1958.
- The Single European Act (SEA)
Single market, signed in 1986 and enforced in 1987
- The treaty on European Union / Maastricht treaty
Established the EU and gave the parliament more say in decision-making and new
policy areas of cooperation. Signed in 1992 and enforced in 1993.
- Treaty of Amsterdam
Amended previous treaties. Signed in 1997 and enforced in 1999
- Treaty of Nice
Streamlined the EU institutional system to work effectively after the new member
states in 2004. Signed in 2001 and enforced in 2003.
- Treaty of Lisbon
Simplified working methods and voting rules, created a President of the EC and
introduced new structures for making the EU an internationally stronger force. Signed
in 2007 and enforced in 2009.
Legal acts which are applied differently:
Regulation: applicable and binding in all MS.
Directive: binds the MS or a group of MS to achieve a particular objective
Decision: is addressed to the MS, groups of people or individuals.
Recommendations and opinions have no binding force.
, The EU symbols
- The European flag
- The European anthem
- Europe day: 9 May
- The motto: United in diversity
Fundamental values of the EU
Lasting peace
Unity
Equality
Fundamental freedoms
Solidarity
Respect for national identity
Security
Protection of fundamental and human rights
Ordinary legislative procedure
- The parliament and the council share legislative power
- The procedure begins with the commission and forms a proposal that is presented to
the council and the parliament.
- If no agreement is reached, three readings will take place.
Consultation procedure
The council is required to consult the parliament on a proposal from the commission.
Consent procedure
- Parliament may accept or reject a proposal, but may not propose amendments. This
in addition to international treaties.
Subsidiary: The EU only acts where action on a supranational level is more effective than
on a national level.
Exclusive competence: Means that decisions are taken at EU level through the MS
meetings in the council and the EP.
Shared competence: If legislation is passed at EU level, MS will implement these laws first.
All European countries are a member of EMU, therefore they coordinate their economic
policy-making and decisions. The responsibility is divided:
- Monetary policy deals with price stability and interest rates
- Fiscal policy concerns decisions about taxation, spending/borrowing – 28 MS
responsibility.
The foreign relations are the responsibility of the High representative, who is appointed by
the EC.
Executive politics: UK
- European Commission - National government
- EU agencies (ECB)
Legislative politics:
- Council of Ministers - National parliament
Lecture 1: 10-02-2016
Exam:
- MC
EU basics
To begin with…
Composed of sovereign states who have pooled some of their sovereignty in
order to gain strength and the benefits of size
Every action taken by the EU is founded on treaties that have been approved
voluntarily and democratically by all EU countries
Somewhere between the fully federal system found in the USA and the loose
intergovernmental cooperation system found in the United Nations
Every action taken by the EU is founded on treaties. They lay down the objectives of the EU
to give new areas of responsibility.
- Treaty of Paris
European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC) signed in 1951 and enforced in 1952.
- Treaties of Rome (EURATOM)
European Economic Community & European Atomic Energy community. Signed in
1957 and enforced in 1958.
- The Single European Act (SEA)
Single market, signed in 1986 and enforced in 1987
- The treaty on European Union / Maastricht treaty
Established the EU and gave the parliament more say in decision-making and new
policy areas of cooperation. Signed in 1992 and enforced in 1993.
- Treaty of Amsterdam
Amended previous treaties. Signed in 1997 and enforced in 1999
- Treaty of Nice
Streamlined the EU institutional system to work effectively after the new member
states in 2004. Signed in 2001 and enforced in 2003.
- Treaty of Lisbon
Simplified working methods and voting rules, created a President of the EC and
introduced new structures for making the EU an internationally stronger force. Signed
in 2007 and enforced in 2009.
Legal acts which are applied differently:
Regulation: applicable and binding in all MS.
Directive: binds the MS or a group of MS to achieve a particular objective
Decision: is addressed to the MS, groups of people or individuals.
Recommendations and opinions have no binding force.
, The EU symbols
- The European flag
- The European anthem
- Europe day: 9 May
- The motto: United in diversity
Fundamental values of the EU
Lasting peace
Unity
Equality
Fundamental freedoms
Solidarity
Respect for national identity
Security
Protection of fundamental and human rights
Ordinary legislative procedure
- The parliament and the council share legislative power
- The procedure begins with the commission and forms a proposal that is presented to
the council and the parliament.
- If no agreement is reached, three readings will take place.
Consultation procedure
The council is required to consult the parliament on a proposal from the commission.
Consent procedure
- Parliament may accept or reject a proposal, but may not propose amendments. This
in addition to international treaties.
Subsidiary: The EU only acts where action on a supranational level is more effective than
on a national level.
Exclusive competence: Means that decisions are taken at EU level through the MS
meetings in the council and the EP.
Shared competence: If legislation is passed at EU level, MS will implement these laws first.
All European countries are a member of EMU, therefore they coordinate their economic
policy-making and decisions. The responsibility is divided:
- Monetary policy deals with price stability and interest rates
- Fiscal policy concerns decisions about taxation, spending/borrowing – 28 MS
responsibility.
The foreign relations are the responsibility of the High representative, who is appointed by
the EC.
Executive politics: UK
- European Commission - National government
- EU agencies (ECB)
Legislative politics:
- Council of Ministers - National parliament
