EU Law Flashcards
How many member states are in the EU
27
How many states were in the EU when it began
6
What were the main objectives of the EEC when it was established
To establish economic prosperity and peace following WWII
How did the EEC intend to establish economic prosperity
By establishing an internal market
What does an internal market allow free movement of?
Goods
Services
Workers
Capital
What is a treaty
Legal agreement between nations
What happens to a treaty after it is signed by member states
must be ratified
what is ratification
the process of approving treaties and integrating them into domestic law
What are the aims of the EU according to article 3 of the TEU
Promote peace
Offer citizens an area of freedom without internal frotiers
Establisment of an internal market
Establishment of an economic and monetary union, with a common currency
What is an example of an issue with a free tade area, from an economic standpoint
Could promote inefficiencies due to no import duties, rather than importing the same product from a more efficient source
What is the primary function of the european parliament
a forum for debate and adoption/rejection of legislation
Who makes up the council of the EU
Ministers from the member states
B
What are the two types of voting used by the council of the EU
Unanimous decision or QMV (Qualified Majority Voting)
What are the three types of laws made by the EU
Regulations
Directives
Decisions
What is a regulation
A law that applies to all member states and is directly applicable to domestic law
What is a directive
A law that applies to all member states which are addressed and must be implemented into the member state
What is a decision
A law that applies to all member sates or individuals addressed which take direct effect in domestic law
Who makes up the commission?
One independent commissioner from each state
Who makes up the European Parliament
Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) are directly elected by citizens of the MS
What is the role of the European Council
Strategic direction
What is the role of the commission
Creates proposals for legislation
What is the role of the Council of the EU
Takes decisions on proposals for legislation within the European Parliament
What are the two methods of voting used by the Council of the EU
QMV and Unanimous
What is the role of the European Parliament?
EP takes decisions on proposals for legislation with the council of the EU
What type of voting does the EP use?
Simple or absolute majority voting
How does law making work in the EU?
Ordinary law making procedure - both the EP and council of the EU have to agree to a proposal for it to be passed as legislation