Chapter 1.3 Flashcards
Who were some of the key figures who emphasized the need for European integration for lasting peace?
What was the purpose of founding the Coal and Steel Community?
The purpose of founding the Coal and Steel Community was to secure peace in Europe by integrating the coal and steel industries of member states under a supranational authority. The proposal, justified by Robert Schuman, aimed to prevent any member state from secretly producing tanks and weapons to invade its neighbors again. By placing coal extraction and steel production under the supervision of a European authority, the community sought to eliminate the possibility of military aggression and foster cooperation among nations. The establishment of the Coal and Steel Community in 1952 marked the first step towards deeper European integration and laid the groundwork for further economic and political cooperation in the region.
How many member states were there when the Coal and Steel Community was established?
when the Coal and Steel Community was established in 1952, there were six member states: Germany, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Belgium, and Luxembourg. Between 1971 and 2007, the number of Member States
grew to 28.
What are the two primary legal instruments in the European Union?
The two primary legal instruments in the European Union are the Treaty on European Union and the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union. These treaties serve as the supreme legal instruments within the EU.
What is the composition of the legislative body in the European Union, and which body holds more power in the legislative process?
The legislative body in the European Union is composed of two main entities: the Council and the European Parliament (EP). The Council consists of government representatives from the Member States, while the European Parliament is elected by the EU population in free elections every five years.
In terms of power in the legislative process, the Council is generally the more powerful body. It typically decides by a “qualified majority,” which means that a decision is achieved when 55% of the EU countries vote in favor, representing at least 65% of the total population of the Union. The European Parliament, although an important part of the legislative process, holds slightly less power compared to the Council.
What are the two types of “laws” adopted by the Council, and how do they differ in their application in member states?
EU regulations: EU regulations are directly applicable law in the member states. This means that they have immediate legal effect and do not require any further action by the member states to be enforceable. Once an EU regulation is adopted by the Council, it becomes binding and applicable to all member states without the need for additional implementation measures. Member states are required to comply with and enforce EU regulations as they are.
EU directives: On the other hand, EU directives formulate minimum conditions that national regulations must meet. Unlike regulations, directives do not have immediate direct effect in member states. Instead, they set objectives to be achieved by the member states within a certain timeframe. Member states are responsible for incorporating the directives into their national legislation, usually within three years, by adopting appropriate laws or taking other necessary measures. This process of transposing the directive into national law allows member states to adapt the requirements to their specific legal and administrative systems.
What is the role of the European Commission in the EU, and how is its President selected?
the European Commission is the executive body of the European Union (EU). Its role includes drafting proposals for new European legislation and implementing the decisions of the European Parliament and the Council of the EU.
The President of the European Commission is selected through a process that involves the Heads of State or Government of the Member States and the European Parliament. The selection process can be summarized as follows:
Proposal: The Heads of State or Government propose a candidate for the position of President of the European Commission. The proposal takes into account the results of the European Parliament elections.
Confirmation: The proposed candidate for the President of the European Commission is subject to confirmation by the European Parliament. The Parliament votes on the proposal, and the candidate must receive a majority of votes to be confirmed.
Appointment: If the proposed candidate is confirmed by the European Parliament, they are appointed as the President of the European Commission. They assume the role and responsibilities of leading the Commission.
How many member states are there in the European Union after Brexit, and what is the significance of its single market?
after Brexit, the European Union (EU) consists of 27 Member States. The significance of the EU’s single market is that it creates a unified economic area where goods, services, capital, and labor can move freely among member countries.
The single market eliminates barriers to trade, such as tariffs and quotas, within the EU. This allows businesses to access a market of over 450 million consumers without facing restrictions that existed before the establishment of the single market. It promotes competition, encourages innovation, and provides opportunities for businesses to expand and thrive.
Some key features and benefits of the EU’s single market include:
Free movement of goods: Products can circulate without customs duties or quantitative restrictions, facilitating trade between member states.
Free movement of services: Service providers can operate across borders, offering their services to consumers and businesses in other member states.
Free movement of capital: There are no restrictions on capital flows, allowing for investments, acquisitions, and financial transactions to occur seamlessly within the EU.
Free movement of people: EU citizens have the right to live, work, and study in any member state, promoting mobility and opportunities for individuals.
What are the restrictions on voting rights for EU citizens living in another member state?
There are certain restrictions on the voting rights of EU citizens living in another member state. While EU citizens have the right to settle and work in all EU states, their right to vote and stand for election is generally limited to the local level in the country of residence. This means that EU citizens residing in another member state can participate in local elections, such as municipal or city council elections. However, at the state and federal level, the right to vote typically requires citizenship of the respective country. In the context of the EU, this implies that EU citizens living in another member state may not have the right to vote in national parliamentary elections or participate in the election of national leaders.
How does the EU coordinate foreign policy and trade relations with non-European states?
Regarding the coordination of foreign policy and trade relations with non-European states, the EU plays a role in coordinating the foreign policy of its member states. While the individual member states retain a significant degree of sovereignty in foreign policy matters, the EU acts as a coordinating body to ensure a unified approach. This coordination is aimed at representing the interests of the EU as a whole and maximizing the collective influence of member states in international affairs. It involves consultations, negotiations, and the development of common positions on various global issues.
In terms of trade relations, the EU acts as a contractual partner with non-European states. It negotiates and concludes trade agreements on behalf of its member states. These agreements aim to facilitate trade, promote economic cooperation, and establish mutually beneficial terms with partner countries. The EU Commission, the executive body of the EU, plays a crucial role in overseeing trade negotiations and reaching agreements. The EU has engaged in numerous trade agreements with countries around the world, including those in Asia, Africa, North America, and other regions, to promote economic integration and enhance international trade relations.
