EU Flashcards
List historical development of EU
1957 treaty of Rome tie in Germany after war
1973 Ireland uk
1987 single European Act - trade single
1993 Maastricht - common foreign security policy
2002 euro circulated
2009 Lisbon treaty president EU council TEU and TFEU
EUs evolution been framed by tension between?
Intergovernmentalism and
Supranationalism
What is intergovernmentalism
Theory of integration and decision making in international organisations which allows states to cooperate in specific fields whilst retaining their sovereignty
The concise Oxford Dictionary of politics 2009 Ian McLean and allistair Mac millan
What is supranationalism
Countries working together cede a degree of sovereignty
Example of intergovernmental
European council
Example of supranational
European Commission
Exclusive competencies of EU
Article 3 TFEU
Customs union
Common fisheries policy
common commercial policy
Internal market competition rules
Share competencies of EU
Article 4 TFEU EU legislates
Environment
Consumer protection
Transport
Energy
Justice freedom
Supporting competencies of EU
Article 6 TFEU EU intervenes to support
Culture
Tourism
Education
Protection of health
EU institutions
European Commission cabinet introduces legislation and COEU upper with European Parliament lower house approve legislation
Economic social Cttee business reps and Cttee of regions rep local government advise
EU council - heads of government
ECJ - arbitration
EU court of auditors - how money is spent
European Commission
Executive arm
1 per state
Each has portfolio supported by cabinet
5 year mandate
Approved by parliament before taking office
Staff divided into directorates general re different policy area
Role of European Commission
Guardian of treaties
Initiate legislation
Manage budgets, negotiate trade agreements
Council of European Union
Main decision maker
Represents members interests
Decisions unanimous or majority
What voting system does Council of EU use
Qualified
Majority
Voting
Voting in EU
Proposals must have support of states representing 65 per cent of EU population
Proposals must have support of 55 per cent of member states
EU parliament
Legislative branch
MEPs directly elected we have 14
720 in total
President serves 2.5 years
String committee system
Co decision making power extended veto in area such as trade
Significant influence on budget
European council
Heads of states 27
Defines eu direction and goals
Appoints board and president of ECB
Does not legislate
2.5 years presidency
ECJ
Interprets provision of EU law from national courts
Enforcement through infringement
1 judge from each state and 11 advocates general
Legislative instruments of EU
Supremacy of EU law
5 instruments-
Regulation totally binding
Directive binding but must be transposed into law
Decision binding to the addressee
Recommendation call to action no obligation
Opinion non binding assessment
Legislative process of EU
Commission proposes
Council decides
Parliament also decides bit weaker
3 steps of EU legislation procedure
- Ordinary co decision COEU & parliament
- Consent as above but latter no power to amend
- Consultation as above but parliament only had advisory role
Enforcement of EU law
By European Commission
Coordination of EU affairs across public services in Ireland
Informal
Dept Taoiseach international and eu divisions works in coordination with European division in DFA
EU cabinet committee
Name some challenges facing the EU
Trump
War in Ukraine
Climate change
Impact of war in Ukraine
Direct threat to European political and economic integration
Trump and success of far right undermining approach to sanctions, coordinated political statements
Can we accelerate green deal and not rely on energy from Russia
3 types of infractions of EU law
Non notification
Incomplete transposition
Incorrect application
Procedure after infringement of EU law
Letter of enquiry
Letter of formal notification
Reasoned opinion
Referral to ECJ
Ruling by ECJ
Sanctions
