European Union Flashcards
What is the EU
The EU is a trading bloc of 27 countries in Europe.
These countries are called member states.
The EU is a single market, meaning there is free trade between all member states.
Member states have ‘pooled sovereignty’ which means that they have delegated some of their decision making powers to the shared institutions they have created.
Name six EU institutions
The European Commission The European Parliament The Council of the European Union The European Court of Auditors The Court of Justice The European Council
Explain what the european commission is
Upholds the interests of the EU as a whole
Manages the day-to-day business of implementing EU policies and the spending of EU funds.
Made up of EU Commissioners- Each commissioner is responsible for a different area e.g transport.
Give four functions of the european commission
To propose new European laws
To enforce EU laws
To draft the EU budget
To represent the EU internationally
What is the european parliament
Directly elected by the citizens of the EU
Elections are held every 5 years
The number of Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) for each country is roughly in proportion to its population
MEPs represent each country’s interests in discussion with other EU institution
Give three functions of the european parliament
To debate and approve new European laws
To supervise the EU
To approve the EU budget
What is the council of the european union
Most important decision making body in the EU.
National ministers from each EU country meet to adopt laws and coordinate policies.
Example: if discussing finance issues, each country will send their Minister for Finance.
Decisions are taken by a qualified majority.
Votes are directly related to the size of the country’s population.
Name four functions of the council of the european union
To pass European Laws
To approve the EU budget
To Coordinate policies
To cooperate on foreign and defence policy
What is the european court of auditors
An independent external audit institution of the EU.
Ensures the Union’s income, expenditure and financial management is sound.
Aim is to improve the management of EU funds in the interest of the citizens
Give three functions of the european court of auditors
Audits countries / EU organisations
Presents an annual report (‘annual discharge’)
Advises on new / revised EU regulations
What is the court of justice of the EU
Ensures EU laws are applied the same way in all EU countries.
Court is made up of one judge from each EU country.
Give three functions of the court of justice
Advised national courts
Ensures EU law is obeyed
Strike down illegal EU laws
Explain what the European Council is
A meeting of the heads of state of every EU country.
They set the goals and priorities for the EU.
Meets 4 times per year in Brussels
Works to resolve complex issues that have not been sorted by lower level officials
Has no powers to pass law
Describe the decision making process of EU
1: European Commission initiates legislation - thinks up new laws - correspond to most concerning needs
2: First reading proposed law in EU Parliament
3: Council of the EU examines EU Parliament wording of proposed law
4: Second reading by EU Parliament
5: If the law is approved at the second reading, it becomes an EU law.
6: If law is not approved, Conciliation Committee, tries to find a solution and draws up a joint text that can be agreed upon.
7: Joint text goes before the Parliament and Council of EU for third reading. If agreed upon, text becomes law. If not agreed upon, it does not become law
Explain what are interest groups
Interest groups are organisations of people who come together to fight for a common goal.
The main aim of interest groups is to lobby and put pressure on EU decision makers in order to achieve their aims.
Try to influence the EU decision making process
Examples: Irish Farmers Association (IFA); Amnesty International
Explain what will interest groups do to achieve their aims
Lobby MEPs- try to persuade them to vote a certain way. send petitions to parliament about an issue to put pressure on them to act
Lobby the European Commission and individual commissioners - commission has to be aware of problems that need to be solved. They meet commissioners and make them aware of issues. Sometimes initiate ideas that become laws
Set up an office in Brussels- can easily access decision makers in EU ensures voices are heard
Explain what an EU directive is
An EU Directive is a law that all member states must obey.
It sets out a desired result that each country must achieve by a given date.
Member states must take action to change their own national law to implement the directive and must have it achieved by the deadline
Example: The Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive (WEEE)
Explain what an EU regulation is
A regulation is another EU law that all EU countries must obey.
It is the most direct form of EU law.
It comes into force immediately and must be obeyed by all as soon as it is passed.
Member state has no power to apply only parts of it that it approves of
EU regulation takes precedence over national law.
Example: The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)
Explain EU policies
EU policies are major programmes that are designed to help specific categories of people in the EU.
Example: Common Agricultural Policy (EU farmers); Common Fisheries Policy (EU fishing industry)
Name six EU policies
Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) EU Social Charter Competition Policy Single European Market (SEM) Monetary Union - The Euro
What does CAP stand for
Common agricultural policy
What is CAP
The CAP aims to give EU farmers a decent standard of living.
Explain the main functions of the CAP
No trade barriers Single payment scheme Promoting innovation Import duties Emergency payments
What is the CFP
The CFP aims to give those working in the EU fishing industry a decent standard of living and conserve fishing stocks.
What does CFP stand for
Common fisheries policies
What are the main functions of the CFP
Fixed pricing Provides grants Marketing campaigns Quotas Regulation of nets Crackdown on illegal fishing
What is the EU social charter
The EU Social Charter aims to improve working and living conditions for all EU citizens.
What are the main features of the EU social Charter
Freedom of movement
Minimum wage
Max. 48 hour working week
Right to be consulted and be involved in decision making
What is the Eu competition Policy
The EU Competition Policy is a set of rules intended to ensure free and fair competition between businesses in the EU. Ensures consumers get quality goods and reasonable prices
What are the functions of the Eu competition policy
Illegal to form cartels
Dominant businesses cannot abuse their power
State-owned enterprises cannot enjoy a monopoly position
Prohibits mergers and takeovers
What is the EU SEM - Single European Market
The SEM (part of the Economic and Monetary Union) makes the EU the world’s largest free trade area.
There are no barriers to trade between EU countries.
There is free movement of goods, labour and capital throughout the EU
Sell products, workers can live and work, EU citizens and businesses can invest their money anywhere in EU
What is the significance of SEM for Ireland
Wider markets EU government contracts Easier trading Attracts transnational / multinational companies Free movement of capital
What is the challenges of SEM
Greater competition
Shortage of workers
Loss of possible government contracts
Explain what is the monetary union
The Monetary Union (part of the EMU) involved establishing one single currency (the euro) for some countries in the EU.
The European Central Bank (ECB) manages the euro currency and the EU’s monetary policy.
There are 19 EU countries that use the euro
What are the advantages of the euro
It reduces businesses costs Lower interest rates Price stability Increases trade between eurozone countries Greater transparency in prices
What are the advantages of euro
Ireland has little economic control
Increased competition
UK does not use the euro
What is the importance of the EU membership for Ireland
No barriers to trade
Reduction is costs associated with importing and exporting
Availability of grants
Attracts transnational companies to Ireland
Benefits of CAP and CFP
Explain to propose new European laws as a function of the european commision
They initiates legislation in the EU- Thinks up ideas and new laws to protect the EU and citizens
It consults with experts through various committes and groups and holds public consultations
Proposed new law goes to European parliament for opinions and approval Ex: minimum wage
Explain to enforce EU laws as a function of the european commission
Ensure all obey laws
If suspects government is not complying they send an official letter asking it to correct their actions
Last resort - court of justice force to obey
Ensure EU policies are carried out correctly - ex: Eu competition policy
To draft the EU budget as a function of the European commission
The commission makes the initial decision as to where the EU funds are spent including how much money each country should get back from the EU
To represent the EU internationally as a function of the European commission
Speaks on behalf of EU countries on international matters ex: humanitarian aid
It is an important spokesperson allowing the 27 member states to speak with one voice in international forums
Explain to debate and approve EU laws as a function of the european parliament
Considers laws proposed by commission
Discuss the advantages and disadvanatges of law and suggest changes to make it better
Parliament and council of the EU jointly have to agree to a proposal for new law
Power to block a proposal form also
Explain to supervise the EU as a function of the european parliament
Influence over other European institutions - keeps an eye on council of EU is doing,
It calls the president of the Council into Parliament to answer Qs from MEPs about it’s work
When a new commission is to be appointed Parliament holds interviews for new commissioners - The commission is politically answerable to the parliament
Explain to approve the EU budget as a function of the european parliament
Have power with Council of EU to approve or reject budget
Power to block Commission’s budget
Influence how the EU spends its money
Explain to pass European Laws as a function of the council of the european union
Council of EU and Parliament share the final say on proposed laws
They have power to block a proposal from becoming law
Explain to approve the EU budget as a function of the council of the european union
Power with parliament to reject the entire EU budget drawn up by the Commission
Can influence how the EU spends it’s money
To coordinate policies as a function of the council of the european union
Coordinating member states policies in specific fields
Does this by monitoring the budgetary policies of each country and issuing them with recommendations for improvement
To cooperate on foreign and defence policy as a function of the council of the european union
The council defines and implementing EU foreign and security policy on the basis of guidelines set by the European Council
Council ensures the unity consistency and effectiveness of the EU’s international policy
Explain Audits countries / EU organisations as a function of the European Court of auditors
Can audit any country or organisation that received EU funding to ensure money was not wasted
Investigates the paperwork and carries on the spot checks
Draws the attention of national government to any problems
Explain Presents an annual report (‘annual discharge’) as a function of the European Court of auditors
Presents European parliament and council of the EU with an annual report on the previous financial year
Decide Whether or not to approve the way in which the Commission had handled the budget
Explain Advises on new / revised EU regulations as a function of the European Court of auditors
It gives it’s opinion on new or revised EU regulations with financial impact at the request by the other EU institutions
Explain ensures EU law is obeyed as a function of the european court of justice
National courts in each EU country are responsibile for ensuring that EU law is properly applied in that country
If a national court is in doubt about the interpretation of validity of an EU law it may and must ask the Court of Justice for advise
Explain advises National courts as a function of the european court of justice
One country is failing to fulfil its obligations under EU law It can be taken to the court of Justice
Investigates the allegations and gives its judgement
If found to be at fault country must put things right at once
Can issue fines
Explain Strike down EU laws as a function of the european court of justice
If EU country or institution believes a particular EU law is illegal they may ask the court to annul it
Citizens may also ask court to cancel a law if it directly affects them in a negative way
If the court finds the law in question breaks the rules that govern the EU it will declare that law null and void
How does a reading happen as part of the decision making process in the EU
Laws advantages and disadvantages are discussed
Any changes to the proposed law that will improve it are made
Explain No trade barriers as a function of CAP
Free agricultural market
Irish farmers have much bigger market
Opportunity to increase sales and profits
Explain Single payment scheme as a function of CAP
Financial aid direct to farmers in EU
Payments to farmers to help them survive in return for compliance to standards on farm hygiene, food safety animal health among other things
Ensure farming in ireland remains viable and sustainable - make a decent living
Explain Promoting innovation as a function of CAP
Spends money on research projects to come up with new ways to improve farming and reduce environmental damage
Farms more productive
Farm produce more attractive on world markets
Explain Import duties as a function of CAP
Protects farmers adding import duties to non EU food imports to make them dearer - encourage consumers to buy more EU produced food
Explain Emergency payments as a function of CAP
Provision for payments to farmers in emergency situations - relief for one off emergencies like natural disasters/animal disease
Financial safety to farmers
How does CFP give fisherman a decent standard of living
Fixed fish prices to ensure decent income
Improve fish quality by giving grants to buy better boats and modern fishing technology
CFP pays for marketing campaigns to encourage sales
How does CFP prevent overfishing
Maximum amount of catch for each type of fish
Limits the size of holes in nets
Helps member states to patrol their waters and catch any illegal fishing
Explain Freedom of movement as a feature of the EU social charter
Citizens can work in any EU country
Mean businesses can hire from any EU country without work permits or visas
Can be bad as people decide to work abroad out of Ireland
Explain Minimum wage as a feature of the EU social charter
Right to a fair wage and a decent standard of living so will set a minimum wage
Ireland’s minimum wage is higher than a lot of countries - cost disadvantage
Explain Max. 48 hour working week as a feature of the EU social charter
Max no of hours
Also have right to public holidays with pay and four weeks paid annual holiday
Explain Right to be consulted and be involved in decision making as a feature of the EU social charter
Right to be consulted by their employer - must be kept informed on the business’s financial situation
Consulted in plenty of time of any decisions their boss makes that will affect them and their jobs
Employers are more democratic
Explain Illegal to form cartels as a function of the competition policy in the EU
Businesses must genuinely compete with each other under conditions of fair competition
A cartel is a secret illegal agreement between competitors in which they agree to restrict competition
Businesses cannot work together to rip off consumers
Explain Dominant businesses cannot abuse their power as a function of the competition policy in the EU
Cannot abuse power by increasing prices or trying to stop new competitors from entering the market
Medium and small enterprises are protected
Explain State-owned enterprises cannot enjoy a monopoly position as a function of the competition policy in the EU
Cannot be the only business to sell a particular product
Must allow other firms to enter their markets
Give entrepreneurs new opportunities to set up businesses in areas previously off limits
If they offer a better service than the government they will make a profit
Explain Prohibits mergers and takeovers as a function of the competition policy in the EU
Prohibits mergers and takeovers that would reduce free competition
Must seek and obtain permission from European commission to go ahead
Explain Wider markets as an importance of SEM to Ireland
Sell products anywhere in EU
No barriers
Access to more customers
Can increase sales and profits
Explain EU government contracts as an importance of SEM to Ireland
Governments must invite tenders from across the EU when making major purchases
Can bid for government contracts of other EU countries
Governments cannot show favourtism - must choose best quote they get
Irish businesses can win lucrative contracts from other EU governments and hence increase their sales and profits
Explain Easier trading as an importance of SEM to Ireland
Trade is easier - no customs checks
Not physically inspecting goods by officials
No delays for Irish businesses when they transport their products to the EU, quicker transportation and hence lower costs
Explain Attracts transnational / multinational companies as an importance of SEM to Ireland
Major tool in attracting transnational and multinational companies to Ireland
May buy raw materials then from irish businesses
Also bring latest technology, skills and products
Explain Free movement of capital as an importance of SEM to Ireland
Citizens can invest their money anywhere in the EU
Can sell shares in any EU stock market and borrow from any EU bank
Explain competition as a challenge of SEM to ireland
Other EU businesses can set up here and sell their products in Ireland
May force some irish businesses out of business if they cant cope with threat from big EU competitors
Must develop a unique selling point
Explain shortage of workers as a challenge of SEM to ireland
Eu citizens can work and travel to any country - Irish may live and work elsewhere
We lose highly skilled Irish workers
Explain government contracts as a challenge of SEM to ireland
No longer rely on contracts from irish government for sales and profits
All government contracts must be advertised to allow all EU businesses to apply
Irish government must give the contract to the best applicant
Explain reduces businesses costs as an advantages of the euro
Exchange rates costs going up or down doesnt matter
Dont have to pay bank changes to change currency
Explain lowers interest rates as an advantages of the euro
Smaller countries are backed by some of the biggest economies in the world
Euro allows these to enjoy lower interest rates as euro is less risky to investors than their currency would be on its own
Leads to more investment in the irish economy
Explain price stability as an advantages of the euro
ECB sets key interest rates at levels designed to keep eurozone inflation below 2%
Many costs for irish businesses do not increase rapidly
Explain Increases trade between the eurozone countries as an advantages of the euro
Major barrier to trade has gone
Gives irish businesses the opportunity to sell more to the other eurozone countries and thus increase their profits
Increases tourism- Visitors don’t have to change money to get here
Explain greater transparency in prices as an advantages of the euro
Businesses can save money by comparing prices throughout the eurozone easily
Can find cheapest supplier
Explain Ireland businesses may face increased competition as a disadvantage of the euro
Consumers can compare prices
Save money buying cheapest goods
Leads to reduced sales and profits for irish businesses
Explain Ireland has little economic control as a disadvantage of the euro
We cannot adjust interest rates at these are set for us by the ECB
If irish economy falls out of sync with the rest of the eurozone countries Ireland could suffer
ECB may decide to help the rest of the eurozone countries by changing interest rates to suit them rather than Ireland
Explain the UK has not adopted the Euro as a disadvantage of the euro
Our biggest trading partner the UK does not use the euro
Costs of changing money and the risks of fluctuating exchange rates
Explain No barriers to trade as an importance of EU membership for Ireland
SEM means no barriers to trade.
Products can be sold freely on market of almost 500 million consumers
Increase sales and profits
Explain Reduction is costs associated with importing and exporting as an importance of EU membership for Ireland
Single currency no longer have to pay bank charges
This reduces costs associated with importing and exporting
Explain Availability of grants as an importance of EU membership for Ireland
Grants improve infrastructure such as motorways
Transport products more quickly and cheaply
Explain Attracts transnational companies to Ireland as an importance of EU membership for Ireland
SEM is a major tool to attract transnational companies
They gain free access to their EU market
Hire Irish people so there is lower unemployment
They also bring latest technologies, skills and products to Ireland
Make economy more modern and technologically advanced
Explain Benefits of CAP and CFP as an importance of EU membership for Ireland
CAP AND CFP help Irelands primary industries of agriculture and fishing giving those in these sectors a decent standard of living
They modernise these sectors with grants and improve them
