The European Union Flashcards
5 EU Institutions
-European Commission
-European Parliament
-The Council of the EU
-European Court of Auditors (ECA)
-The European Court of Justice/ The Court of Justice of the EU (CJEU)
3 Functions of European Commission
PROPOSE NEW LAWS- they initiate new laws
IMPLEMENT EU LAWS AND POLICIES- they supervise member states to ensure they are following the laws
DRAFT THE EU BUDGET- propose how money should be spent in each member state
3 Functions of European Parliament
APPROVE EU BUDGET- along with council can approve or reject an entire budget
DEBATE AND VOTE ON NEW POLICIES- laws proposed by the commission
SUPERVISE THE RUNNING OF THE EU- e.g. funding and spending
2 Functions of the Council of the EU
PASS EUROPEAN LAWS- the council of the EU and the EU parliament have the final say on all EU laws
APPROVE THE EU BUDGET
2 Functions of the European Court of Auditors
-they can audit the accounts of any organisations that is handling EU funds
-presents the parliament and the council with an annual report on the financial year
3 Roles of the European Court of Justice
-responsible for ensuring that EU laws are applied correctly in each EU country.
-made of one judge from each member state
-when there is a dispute over EU laws they can settle it in the Court of Justice
How are new EU laws introduced
- PROPOSAL BY THE COMMISSION- they draft new legislation. Consultation with the EU parliament and relevant stakeholders take place.
- The European Parliament will read the proposed legislation and debate it. It makes its decision and passes it on to the council of the European union.
- Approval of disapproval by the council of the EU
- Implementation by the commission and national government.
How to Implement New Laws
EU REGULATIONS- they are legally binding decisions that become law immediately in all the EU states.
EU DIRECTIVES- a goal is set out to be achieved by each member state and a deadline for when it has to be achieved by. Each country is free to decide how best to achieve it.
EU DECISIONS- only legally binding in specifically named countries.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Single European Market (SEM)
ADVANTAGES
-CREATE HUGE MARKET TO TRADE- almost 480 million consumers can be accessed.
-FREE MOVEMENT OF GOODS- tariffs, product testing etc are removed for easier trading to occur across EU countries.
-FREE MOVEMENT OF LABOUR- EU citizens are free to travel, live and work in most countries in the EU without immigration or passport control.
DISADVANTAGES
-GREATER COMPETITION- increased competition for Irish firms
-FREE MOVEMENT OF LABOUR- anyone from the EU can work here so there is more competition for jobs
European and Monetary Union (EMU) (adv+ disadv)
ADVANTAGES
-REDUCED TRANSACTION COSTS- we do not need to pay to exchange our currency.
-PRICE STABILITY- the ECB manage the euro currency. They also manage inflation.
-FDI LOCATE HERE OVER NON-EMU COUNTRIES- Ireland has the euro along with the low corporation tax and highly skilled workers. It has made the country more attractive for FDI.
DISADVANTAGES
-EXPORT PARTNERS- our main export partners do not use the euro.
-REDUCED INDEPENDENCE- countries have less freedom with their currency and therefore less freedom with increasing and decreasing inflation rates
Common Fisheries Policy (CFP)
ADVANTAGES
-PROTECTION- TAC (total allowed catch) means once the quota has been reaches they must stop fishing
-THE CFP PROVIDE GRANTS- allow EU fisherman to buy better boats and modern fishing tech.
-CFP SOMETIMES PAY FOR MARKETING- they pay for campaigns to encourage consumers to buy more fish
DISADVANTAGES
-FOOD WASTE- if fisherman catch not what they wanted then they are know to throw dead fish back into the sea.
-POLICING- it is very difficult to monitor TAC.
Common Agricultural Policy (CAP)
ADVANTAGES
-PROMOTE FAIR STANDARD OF LIVING FOR FARMERS- they pay financial aid directly to all farmers to guarantee them a fair wage. Its called “single payment scheme”
-FREE AGRICULTURAL MARKET- EU farmers are allowed to sell anywhere in the EU without barriers to trade.
DISADVANTAGES
-UNEMPLOYMENT- EU grants in some cases have allowed machinery to take over manual labour.
-COST TO THE TAXPAYER- the CAP is the most expensive policy.
What is the European Competition Policy
they ensure that there is always fair competition within markets so that there will be more choice for consumers and less chance of exploitation by sellers.
Impact of European Competition Policy on Ireland
-competition leads to better quality and choice of goods and services.
-restricts anti-competitive moves because businesses are stopped from keeping prices high and preventing new comers from entering the market.
-controls large mergers/takeovers and ensures that Irish businesses operate fairly and that the consumer benefits.
what is the European social charter
Guarantees certain social and economic rights to all EU citizens. Protects the rights of many vulnerable groups such as elderly, children, migrants and people with disabilities.
Advantages+ Disadvantages of European Social Charter
ADVANTAGES
-EMPLOYMENT- pay and working conditions such as annual leave has improved across the EU.
-EUROPEAN SOCIAL FUND- investments into education and skills for those unemployed to find work.
- EQUALITY IN THE WORKPLACE- all workers have rights to be treated fairly in the workplace. 40% of all boards should be filled by women
DISADVANTAGES
-INCREASED COSTS- businesses have the bear the burden of new laws surrounding increased pay and working conditions
Why Should Ireland Stay in the EU
ELIMINATION OF TRADE BARRIERS- allow free movement of goods, services and labour.
AGRICULTURE- Ireland’s agriculture has improved with the help of CAP.
LARGER MARKET
ATTRACT FDI- by having access to EU. It creates more employment.
EURO- makes life easier for businesses and tourists trading and traveling in Ireland.
EDUCATION- Erasmus has allowed people to study abroad.
