Supranational v intergovernmental approaches

Question 1

Intergovernmentalism arguments for the EU

Answer 1

• Established to serve the interest of its member states.
• The principle of subsidiarity (Maastricht Treaty, 1992) argue that decisions should be made by EU institutions only when they are not better made by the members.
• The Lisbon Treaty (2007) established the principle that members may leave the EU - not the case if entirely supranational.
• Lacks the central authority required of a supranational institution.

Question 2

Supranationalism argument for the EU

Answer 2

• Since the Schuman Declaration, the goal is full European unity = explains why all treaties have reduced state sovereignty.
• Only by becoming a distinct political entity will the EU be able to banish nationalism and guarantee European peace = a united Europe will also be able to assert more global influence. President Macron of France ensured that the EU will not ‘become a plaything of great powers’.
• Critics argue that the rise of populism and nationalism across Europe has been provoked by European integration moving too fast without the consent of the public.

Question 3

European Council

Answer 3

Intergovernmental, because each member state is represented and is acting on its own behalf. Therefore, heads of states and foreign ministers retain a reasonable amount of control in steering the overall direction of the EU on behalf of its own sovereign interests.

Question 4

Council of Europe

Answer 4

Intergovernmental, since MEPs represent their own country and therefore their country’s sovereign interests in shorter-term decision making within the EU and on specific issues.

Question 5

European Commission

Answer 5

Supranational - essentially acts as an executive with a legislative role. The laws and policies it oversees acts in EU interest as a whole as opposed to its individual sovereign interests.

Question 6

European Parliament

Answer 6

Supranational since, while member-states domestic populations elect MEPs to office, the parliament’s role is to scrutinise legislation on the behalf of the EU, rather than national, interests.

Question 7

European Court of Justice

Answer 7

Supranational - it has the ability to pass legislation that can override the laws of national governments.

Question 8

European Central Bank

Answer 8

Supranational, since it oversees monetary regulation on behalf of EMU countries, which is traditionally seen as a key role for sovereign states.