EU Flashcards
Aims of the EU
-Promote peace, the values of the EU, and the well being of its citizens
-Freedom, security, and justice without internal borders
-Balanced economic growth, a competitive market economy with full employment, and environmental protection
- Combat social, exclusion and discrimination
-Scientific and technological progress
Promote peace, the values of the EU, and the well-being of its citizens
+Member nations have not internally fought since its creation
+Emphasis on the rule of law and democracy across all EU states
+Rising living standards and economic growth is generally shared
-Increasing threat from other countries like Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and home grown terrorism like the Paris Bomb attacks
-Growing number of anti EU populist parties which have increased in popularity. This is specifically prevalent in Hungary
-EU criticised for having a democratic deficit as the turnout to EU elections is always very low so majority aren’t represented
Freedom, security, and justice without internal borders
+All EU countries are part of the single market in which the four freedoms apply
+23/27 are part of the Schengen are which allows for more flexibility and efficiency for businesses
+Countries work together on policing and anti terrorism like the European Arrest Warrant
-Not all countries are in the Schengen Area like NI
+/-Border checks can be implemented in the Schengen area in state of emergency like after the 2015 Paris terror attacks
-Border controls have been reintroduced in certain Schengen area countries due to the increase in migration e.g. Denmark and Austria which limits the freedom of movement of people
Balanced economic growth, a competitive market economy with full employment, and environmental protection
+Led to the development of competitive economies like in the East with Romania and Bulgaria
+EU environmental regulations are usually stricter than those of the individual nations
-2008 economic crisis damaged the economies of many EU countries specifically Greece and Spain which meant that other countries had to support them
-Unemployment rose drastically in some EU countries and the overall unemployment rates in the EU were higher than the US
-COVID restrictions caused more economic problems
Combat social exclusion and discrimination
+EU law protects individuals’ human rights as every member state needs to compose a human rights act upon joining
+EU citizens have freedom of movement and can’t be discriminated against
-Crisis of migration exposed the prejudice within some member states demonstrated by attacks on joining
-Hungarian right wing government introduced legislation restricting help for refugees in May 2018
-Brexit was in part a reaction to immigration. Due to some of the British population believing it was decrease polish migration, however most of the polish migrants had already left due to poor conditions. Immigration has actually increased to the UK post Brexit
Scientific and technological progress
+The European Research Area encourages the sharing of scientific knowledge research and skills which benefits all communities
+Billions of Euros of EU funding is spent on science and technology
+European Research Council’s investments in scientific research has led to numerous break throughs. Research has been conducted stating that 80% of the ERC’s funded projects have led to breakthroughs
-EU countries invest less than other major competitors of China and the US
-The USA has a more effective system of turning research into new world leading businesses like Facebook and google
4 Freedoms of Movement
People- Citizens have the ability to move freely within the territory of the European Union. They should not be treated different than citizens of the country in terms of access to employment and working conditions
Services- Allows the set up of businesses and the ability to provide services in member states other than their own
Capital- Goes beyond the boundaries of the EU internal market as it included capital flows between EU countries and the rest of the world
Goods- No unjustified restrictions to trade between EU member states
European Commission
EU’s politically independent executive arm which promotes the general interest of the EU by proposing and enforcing legislation. They also implement the budget which they draw up the annual allowance
Located in Brussels
Council of the European Union
Voices the thoughts of the EU member governments, coordinates policies, and adopts EU laws. Government ministers from each EU country meet to discuss,amend, and adopt laws. Each country holds the presidency title on a 6 month rotating basis. Recent issues include: Russia, COVID, Brexit, and the migration crisis
European Council
Defines the general political direction and priorities of the EU. Highest level of political cooperation between EU countries. Works with the Council of the European Union
European Parliament
Made up of 705 MEPs and is a directly elected EU body with legislative, supervisory, and budgetary responsibilities. Recent issues have been how to tackle child sexual abuse online. Located in Strasbourg, Brussels, and Luxembourg
European Court of Justice
Ensures EU law is interpreted and applied the same across all EU countries. Settles legal disputes between national governments and EU institutions. Can be used by individuals, companies, and organisations to take action against EU institutions. Located in Luxembourg. Made up of the Court of Justices which is made up of 1 judge form each country and 2 advocates and the General Court where there are 2 judges. Recent issues include the length of the working week
Impact of the EU on UK politics
The UK has been through 3 different EU periods
1970’s-1990’s: Britain was in a state of caution as the UK held a referendum two years after joining in 1975. The majority of MP’s during this time were anti-EU like Thatcher who successfully negotiated an EU budget rebate in 1981
1990’s-2016: Britain was Eurosceptic as the Conservative government of 1990-1997 was internally divided, Major left the ERM in the early 90’s following Black Wednesday
2016-Current: Brexit following the referendum win of 51% in 2016. Caused PM David Cameron to step down. Finally left the EU on the 31st January 2020 but has left many issues as lots of laws still remain
