The European Union and The UK Flashcards
Aims of the European Union: four freedoms
The EU is built on the foundation of the “four freedoms,” outlined in the 1957 Treaty of Rome: free movement of goods, capital, workers, and the freedom to provide services. These freedoms aim to integrate member states economically and socially within the EU framework.
Aims of the European Union: social policy
The EU’s social policy has evolved through initiatives like the Social Chapter from the 1992 Maastricht Treaty, protecting workers’ rights, and the 2009 Lisbon Treaty’s Charter of Fundamental Rights, which outlines political, social, and economic rights respected by EU institutions.
Aims of the European Union: social chapter
The Social Chapter comprises 30 principles covering working hours, conditions, and employee payment. PM Tony Blair signed the UK up to it in 1997. Since then, the EU has implemented various social policy initiatives, such as directives to prevent discrimination in employment based on race, gender, age, religion, disability, or sexual orientation.
Aims of the European Union: charter of fundamental rights
Member states must account for the Charter of Fundamental Rights when incorporating EU law into national law and in matters concerning EU law.
The rights listed in the Charter of Fundamental Rights includes the right to life, private and family life, the right to vote, a fair trial, freedom of religion, expression and assembly among many others.
Aims of the European Union: political and economic union
The EU has transitioned into a Political and Economic Union by introducing the Euro and reducing national governments’ veto powers. In 2017, proposals were made to limit veto powers in certain areas like taxation to further unify the EU. The Euro, a common currency, has been adopted by 19 EU members and 6 non-EU states, fostering economic integration.
European Union Policy Making: policy -treaties and regulations
Treaties are binding agreements between EU member states, defining EU rules, member state relationships, and objectives. The Treaty of Amsterdam is one such example. Regulations are binding EU laws applicable to all member states, such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), which enhances data protection for EU citizens and applies uniformly across member states since May 2018.
European Union Policy Making: policy - directives and rulings
Directives are EU legislation outlining common goals for member states, allowing them to enact laws to achieve these goals independently. For instance, the 2013 Industrial Emissions Directive aims to reduce industrial emissions. The European Court of Justice ensures compliance with EU law by hearing cases, such as those from the European Commission against member states failing to comply.
European Union Policy Making: The common fisheries policy
The Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) governs fish stocks and fishing fleets in Europe. It aims to preserve fish populations by setting quotas for member states. Additionally, the CFP offers funding for fishermen and grants equal access to EU waters for all member state fleets.
European Union Policy Making: Impact on the UK
The UK perceived the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) as unfair because it allowed quotas to be bought up by fishermen from other EU countries, and equal access to UK waters was seen as unfair due to the UK’s larger fishing zone. As part of Brexit, the UK aims to exit the CFP.
European Union Policy Making: The Social chapter
The Social Chapter of the EU introduced 30 principles promoting workers’ rights after the single market was established in 1992. Initially opting out, the UK later joined the Social Chapter in 1997.
European Union Policy Making: Impact on the UK 2
The Social Chapter, including the Working Time Directive, imposes EU laws on UK businesses, leading to concerns about sovereignty and increased labor costs. This has made UK businesses less competitive compared to those in countries with fewer regulations.
