Summary Lecture Notes Decision-making in the EU | ULB | 2025/26

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POLI-D409 – Decision-making in the EU


Decision-making in the EU (Université Libre de Bruxelles)




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POLI-D409 – Decision-making in the EU


1. How did we get here ? – Treaties, institutions and policies. The foundation
of the Communities and re-foundation of the EU


1.1. What is the EU ?


1.1.1. A State ?


No full sovereignty
EU exists because MSs signed treaties. States can change treaties or leave


No monopoly of coercion
EU has no army or police of its own ; relies on MSs for enforcement


No taxation power
EU budget (1% of GDP) depends mainly on MS contributions


MSs keep sovereignty in many areas
Defence, foreign policy, health, and welfare remain largely national


Weak shared identity
Most Europeans identify with their nation first; few see themselves as European first


Intergovernmental/supranational decision-making
Many key decisions require unanimity of MSs, not supranational authority (others are
taken by QM)


1.1.2. Is the EU an IO ? More than an IO


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1.1.3. More than an IO but less than a federation




1.1.4. The competences of the EU




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1.1.5. Types of policies




1.2. How did we get there ? The context after WWII


History matters ; not a linear process ; the limitations of a chronological approach ; too
Eurocentric view

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