Lecture 5: the European Union Flashcards
What is the European Union (EU)?
A political and economic union of 27 states in Europe
It is also an intergovernmental/international organization.
What are the conditions for states to be members of the European Union?
They remain separate countries, keeping their sovereignty; they delegate power for certain issues to EU institutions; they accept the primacy of the EU in those areas.
What treaties are currently in force in the EU?
- The Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU)
- Treaty on European Union (TEU)
- Treaty establishing the European Atomic Energy Community
- Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union
What is the obligation of member states in relation to EU laws?
Member states must follow EU laws.
What is the limited lawmaking power of the EU?
The EU can legislate only in areas authorized by treaties.
What areas are under exclusive competence of the EU?
- Customs
- Competition
What areas are under shared competence between the EU and member states?
- Transport
- Energy
What are the types of EU competences?
- Exclusive Competences
- Shared Competences
- Coordinating Competences
- Complementary Competences
What does coordinating competence in the EU entail?
The EU supports and coordinates national policies.
What is a characteristic of complementary competence in the EU?
The EU can assist but not override national policies.
What is the primary legislation in the EU?
Treaties, CJEU principles, and non-treaty international agreements.
What is secondary legislation in the EU?
- Regulations
- Directives
- Decisions
- Recommendations
- Opinions
What defines regulations in EU secondary legislation?
Binding across member states without further action.
How do directives function within EU secondary legislation?
Goals for member states with flexibility in implementation.
What are binding acts from EU institutions called?
Decisions.
What are recommendations and opinions in EU legislation?
Non-binding acts.
What is the hierarchy of secondary legislation in the EU?
- Legislative Acts
- Delegated Acts
- Implementing Acts
What role does the European Council play in EU governance?
Heads of state set policy direction.
Who comprises the Council of the EU?
Ministers from each state, part of the legislature.
What is the function of the European Parliament?
Elected body, the other part of the legislature.
What is the role of the European Commission?
Executive branch to implement policies.
What does the Court of Justice of the EU do?
Adjudicates EU law issues.
What is the function of the European Central Bank?
Manages monetary policy for the Eurozone.
What is the role of the European Court of Auditors?
Reviews EU budget implementation.
