Is this the European UnionIs this the European Union??

Or this?Or this?

What about this?What about this?

How many countries are How many countries are there in the European there in the European

Union?Union?

How many people live in the How many people live in the European Union?European Union?

The European Union: The European Union: 493 million people 493 million people –– 27 27

countriescountries

Member states of the European UnionCandidate countries

Founding fathersFounding fathersNew ideas for lasting peace and prosperity…

Konrad Adenauer

West Germany

Robert Schuman

France

Winston Churchill

Great Britain

Alcide De Gasperi

Italy

Jean Monnet

Honorary Citizen of Europe

The future?The future?

The EU symbolsThe EU symbols

The European flagThe European anthem

"Ode to Joy"

Europe Day, 9 MayThe motto: United in diversity

A distant dream?A distant dream?

Before becoming a real political objective, Before becoming a real political objective, the idea of uniting Europe was just a the idea of uniting Europe was just a dream in the minds of philosophers and dream in the minds of philosophers and visionaries. visionaries.

Victor Hugo, for example, imagined a Victor Hugo, for example, imagined a peaceful ‘United States of Europe’ inspired peaceful ‘United States of Europe’ inspired by humanistic ideals. by humanistic ideals.

The dream was shattered by the terrible The dream was shattered by the terrible wars that ravaged the continent during the wars that ravaged the continent during the first half of the 20th century first half of the 20th century

HopeHopeHowever, a new kind of hope emerged from the rubble of However, a new kind of hope emerged from the rubble of

World War Two. World War Two. People who had resisted totalitarianism during the war were People who had resisted totalitarianism during the war were

determined to put an end to international hatred and determined to put an end to international hatred and rivalry in Europe and create the conditions for lasting rivalry in Europe and create the conditions for lasting peace.peace.

Between 1945 and 1950, a handful of courageous Between 1945 and 1950, a handful of courageous statesmen including Robert Schuman, Konrad Adenauer, statesmen including Robert Schuman, Konrad Adenauer, Alcide de Gasperi and Winston Churchill set about Alcide de Gasperi and Winston Churchill set about persuading their peoples to enter a new era. persuading their peoples to enter a new era.

New structures would be created in western Europe, based New structures would be created in western Europe, based on shared interests and founded upon treaties on shared interests and founded upon treaties guaranteeing the rule of law and equality between all guaranteeing the rule of law and equality between all countries countries

23 official languages23 official languages

Eight enlargementsEight enlargements

19521973 1981 1986

1990 1995 2004 2007

The treaties – basis for The treaties – basis for democratic cooperation built democratic cooperation built

on lawon law1952The European Steel and

Coal Community

1958The treaties of Rome:

The European Economic Community

The European Atomic Energy Community

(EURATOM)

1987The European Single Act: the Single Market

1993Treaty of

European Union – Maastricht

1999Treaty of

Amsterdam

2003Treaty of Nice

2007Treaty of Lisbon

(signed)

European Coal and Steel European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC)Community (ECSC)

On 9 May 1950, the Schuman Declaration proposed On 9 May 1950, the Schuman Declaration proposed the establishment of a the establishment of a European Coal and Steel European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC)Community (ECSC), which became reality with , which became reality with the Treaty of Paris of 18 April 1951. the Treaty of Paris of 18 April 1951.

This put in place a common market in coal and steel This put in place a common market in coal and steel between the six founding countries (Belgium, the between the six founding countries (Belgium, the Federal Republic of Germany, France, Italy, Federal Republic of Germany, France, Italy, Luxembourg and the Netherlands). Luxembourg and the Netherlands).

The aim, in the aftermath of World War Two, was to The aim, in the aftermath of World War Two, was to secure peace between Europe’s victorious and secure peace between Europe’s victorious and vanquished nations and bring them together as vanquished nations and bring them together as equals, cooperating within shared institutions. equals, cooperating within shared institutions.

Treaty of RomeTreaty of Rome

The Six then decided, on 25 March 1957 with the The Six then decided, on 25 March 1957 with the Treaty of RomeTreaty of Rome, to build a , to build a European European Economic Community (EEC)Economic Community (EEC) based on a wider based on a wider common market covering a whole range of goods common market covering a whole range of goods and services. and services.

Customs duties between the six countries were Customs duties between the six countries were completely abolished on 1 July 1968 and common completely abolished on 1 July 1968 and common policies, notably on trade and agriculture, were policies, notably on trade and agriculture, were also put in place during the 1960s.also put in place during the 1960s.

19731973

So successful was this venture that Denmark, So successful was this venture that Denmark, Ireland and the United Kingdom decided to join Ireland and the United Kingdom decided to join the Community. the Community.

This first enlargement, from six to nine members, This first enlargement, from six to nine members, took place in 1973. took place in 1973.

At the same time, At the same time, new social and new social and environmental policiesenvironmental policies were implemented, were implemented, and the European Regional Development Fund and the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) was established in 1975 (ERDF) was established in 1975

First elections to the First elections to the European ParliamentEuropean Parliament

June 1979 saw a decisive step forward for June 1979 saw a decisive step forward for the European Community, with the the European Community, with the first first elections to the European Parliamentelections to the European Parliament by direct universal suffrage.by direct universal suffrage.

These elections are held every five years. These elections are held every five years.

Greece then Spain and Greece then Spain and PortugalPortugal

In 1981, In 1981, GreeceGreece joined the Community, joined the Community, followed by followed by Spain and PortugalSpain and Portugal in in 1986.1986.

This strengthened the Community’s This strengthened the Community’s presence in southern Europe and made it presence in southern Europe and made it all the more urgent to expand its regional all the more urgent to expand its regional aid programmes aid programmes

EuropeanEuropean single marketsingle market

The worldwide economic recession in the early The worldwide economic recession in the early 1980s brought with it a wave of ‘euro-1980s brought with it a wave of ‘euro-pessimism’. pessimism’.

However, hope sprang anew in 1985 when the However, hope sprang anew in 1985 when the European Commission, under its President European Commission, under its President Jacques Delors, published a White Paper setting Jacques Delors, published a White Paper setting out a timetable for completing the European out a timetable for completing the European single marketsingle market by 1 January 1993. by 1 January 1993.

This ambitious goal was enshrined in the Single This ambitious goal was enshrined in the Single European Act, which was signed in February 1986 European Act, which was signed in February 1986 and came into force on 1 July 1987.and came into force on 1 July 1987.

The Fall of the Berlin The Fall of the Berlin WallWall

The political shape of Europe was dramatically The political shape of Europe was dramatically changed when the changed when the Berlin WallBerlin Wall fell in 1989. fell in 1989.

This led to the unification of Germany in This led to the unification of Germany in October 1990 and the coming of democracy October 1990 and the coming of democracy to the countries of central and eastern to the countries of central and eastern Europe as they broke away from Soviet Europe as they broke away from Soviet control.control.

The Soviet Union itself ceased to exist in The Soviet Union itself ceased to exist in December 1991.December 1991.

Treaty on European Treaty on European UnionUnion

At the same time, the member states were At the same time, the member states were negotiating the new negotiating the new Treaty on European Treaty on European UnionUnion, which was adopted by the European , which was adopted by the European Council, composed of presidents and/or prime Council, composed of presidents and/or prime ministers, at Maastricht in December 1991. ministers, at Maastricht in December 1991.

The Treaty came into force on 1 November 1993.The Treaty came into force on 1 November 1993.

By adding areas of intergovernmental cooperation By adding areas of intergovernmental cooperation to existing integrated Community structures, the to existing integrated Community structures, the Treaty created the European Union (EU). Treaty created the European Union (EU).

19951995

This new European dynamism and the This new European dynamism and the continent’s changing geopolitical continent’s changing geopolitical situation led three more countries — situation led three more countries — Austria, Finland and SwedenAustria, Finland and Sweden — to — to join the EU on 1 January 1995. join the EU on 1 January 1995.

single currencysingle currency

By then, the EU was on course for its most By then, the EU was on course for its most spectacular achievement yet, creating a spectacular achievement yet, creating a single single currency.currency.

The euro was introduced for financial (non-cash) The euro was introduced for financial (non-cash) transactions in 1999, while notes and coins were transactions in 1999, while notes and coins were issued three years later in the 12 countries of the issued three years later in the 12 countries of the euro area (also commonly referred to as the euro euro area (also commonly referred to as the euro zone). zone).

The euro is now a major world currency for payments The euro is now a major world currency for payments and reserves alongside the US dollar. and reserves alongside the US dollar.

Lisbon strategyLisbon strategy

In March 2000, the EU adopted the In March 2000, the EU adopted the ‘Lisbon ‘Lisbon strategy’strategy’ for modernising the European for modernising the European economy and enabling it to compete on the world economy and enabling it to compete on the world market with other major players such as the market with other major players such as the United States and the newly industrialised United States and the newly industrialised countries. countries.

The Lisbon strategy involves encouraging The Lisbon strategy involves encouraging innovation and business investment and adapting innovation and business investment and adapting Europe’s education systems to meet the needs of Europe’s education systems to meet the needs of the information society the information society

The Lisbon treaty - taking Europe into the 21st century

The Treaty will make the European Union:

More efficient Simpler processes, full-time president for the Council, etc.

More democratic Stronger role for the European Parliament and national parliaments, "Citizens initiative",

Charter of Fundamental Rights, etc.

More transparent Clarifies who does what, greater public access to documents and meetings, etc.

More united on High Representative for Foreign Policy, etc. the world stage

More secure New possibilities to fight climate change and terrorism, secure energy supplies, etc.

Signed in December 2007 – enter into force when ratified by all 27 EU countries.

The big enlargement: The big enlargement: healing the division of healing the division of

EuropeEurope Fall of Berlin Wall – end of CommunismEU economic help begins: Phase programme

Criteria set for a country to join the EU:• democracy and rule of law• functioning market economy• ability to implement EU laws

Formal negotiations on enlargement begin

Copenhagen summit agrees enlargement

10 new EU members: Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia

1989

1992

1998

2002 2004

2007 Bulgaria and Romania join the EU

CandidatesCroatia, Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Turkey

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enlargement on an enlargement on an unprecedented scaleunprecedented scale..

Scarcely had the European Union grown to 15 Scarcely had the European Union grown to 15 members when preparations began for a new members when preparations began for a new enlargement on an unprecedented scaleenlargement on an unprecedented scale..

In the mid-1990s, the former Soviet-bloc countries In the mid-1990s, the former Soviet-bloc countries (Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, (Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Romania and Slovakia), the three Baltic states that Romania and Slovakia), the three Baltic states that had been part of the Soviet Union (Estonia, Latvia had been part of the Soviet Union (Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania), one of the republics of former and Lithuania), one of the republics of former Yugoslavia (Slovenia) and two Mediterranean Yugoslavia (Slovenia) and two Mediterranean countries (Cyprus and Malta) began knocking at countries (Cyprus and Malta) began knocking at the EU’s door.the EU’s door.

Welcome Welcome The EU welcomed this chance to help The EU welcomed this chance to help

stabilise the European continent and to stabilise the European continent and to extend the benefits of European extend the benefits of European integration to these young democracies. integration to these young democracies.

Negotiations on future membership opened Negotiations on future membership opened in December 1997. in December 1997.

The EU enlargement to 25 countries took The EU enlargement to 25 countries took place on 1 May 2004 when 10 of the 12 place on 1 May 2004 when 10 of the 12 candidates joined. candidates joined.

Bulgaria and Romania followed on 1 Bulgaria and Romania followed on 1 January 2007.January 2007.

EU population in the worldEU population in the world

Population in millions,

2007

497

1322

128 142

301

EU China Japan Russia United States

The area of the EU compared The area of the EU compared to the rest of the worldto the rest of the world

Surface area, 1 000 km²

EU China Japan Russia United States

16 889

9327 9159

4234

365

How rich is the EU How rich is the EU compared to the rest of the compared to the rest of the

world?world?

EU China Japan Russia United States EU China Japan Russia United States

10 793

1 326

3676

468

10 035

24 700

6 400

27 800

10 000

37 300

Size of economy: Gross Domestic Product in billion of euros, 2006

Wealth per person: Gross Domestic Product per person in Purchasing Power Standard, 2007

GDP per inhabitant: the GDP per inhabitant: the spread of wealthspread of wealth

GDP per inhabitants in Purchasing Power Standards, 2007

Index where the average of the 27 EU-countries is 100280

144131 129 127 123 121 118 117 113 113

104 102 10094 89 87

79 77 7567 66 63 58 56 53

38 37

Lu

xem

bo

urg

Irel

an

d

Net

he

rla

nd

s

Au

str

ia

Den

ma

rk

Bel

giu

m

Sw

ed

en

U K

Fin

lan

d

Ger

ma

ny

Fra

nc

e

Ital

yS

pa

in

EU

-27

Cyp

rus

Gre

ec

e

Slo

ve

nia

Cze

ch

Re

pu

bli

c

Ma

lta

Po

rtu

ga

l

Est

on

ia

Hu

ng

ary

Slo

va

kia

Lit

hu

an

ia

La

tvia

Po

lan

d

Ro

ma

nia

Bu

lga

ria

How is the EU’s money How is the EU’s money spent?spent? Total EU budget 2008: 129.1 billion euro

= 1.03% of Gross National Income

Citizens, freedom,security and justice

1%Other, administration

6%

Sustainable growth:new jobs, cohesion,

research45%

The EU as a global player:including development aid

6%

Natural resources:agriculture,environment

43%

Climate change – a global Climate change – a global challengechallenge

To stop global warming, EU leaders decided in 2007 to:To stop global warming, EU leaders decided in 2007 to:

reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 20% by 2020 (30% if other reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 20% by 2020 (30% if other developed countries do likewise) developed countries do likewise)

improve energy efficiency by 20% by 2020improve energy efficiency by 20% by 2020  

raise the share of renewable energy to 20% by 2020 (wind, raise the share of renewable energy to 20% by 2020 (wind, solar, hydro solar, hydro power, biomass) power, biomass)

Jobs and growth Jobs and growth

Challenges:Challenges:

Demography: Europeans live longer, have fewer children Demography: Europeans live longer, have fewer children

Globalisation: European economy faces competition from other Globalisation: European economy faces competition from other parts of the parts of the worldworld

Climate change: Emission of greenhouse gases must come down Climate change: Emission of greenhouse gases must come down

Solutions:Solutions:

European leaders have therefore agreed on a joint European leaders have therefore agreed on a joint strategy for: strategy for:

More research and innovationMore research and innovation

A more dynamic business environmentA more dynamic business environment

Investing in peopleInvesting in people

A greener economy A greener economy

Research - investing in the Research - investing in the knowledge societyknowledge society

Spending on research and development in percentage of Gross Domestic Product, 2006

1.8%

3.0%

1.3%

2.6%

3.3%

EU EU objectivefor 2010

China Japan United States

Enlargement and Enlargement and neighbourhood policyneighbourhood policy

• The European Union is open to any European country The European Union is open to any European country that fulfils the democratic, political and economic that fulfils the democratic, political and economic criteria for membership.criteria for membership.

• Following several enlargements, the EU has increased Following several enlargements, the EU has increased from six to 27 members. Several other countries are from six to 27 members. Several other countries are candidates to join. candidates to join.

• Each treaty admitting a new member requires the Each treaty admitting a new member requires the unanimous approval of all member states. In addition, unanimous approval of all member states. In addition, in advance of each new enlargement, the EU will in advance of each new enlargement, the EU will assess its capacity to absorb the new member(s) and assess its capacity to absorb the new member(s) and the ability of its institutions to continue to function the ability of its institutions to continue to function properly.properly.

• The successive enlargements have strengthened The successive enlargements have strengthened democracy, made Europe more secure and increased democracy, made Europe more secure and increased its potential for trade and economic growth. its potential for trade and economic growth.

Solidarity in practice: the EU Solidarity in practice: the EU cohesion policy cohesion policy

2007-2013: 347 billion euro invested for infrastructure, business, 2007-2013: 347 billion euro invested for infrastructure, business, environment and training of workers for less well-off regions or environment and training of workers for less well-off regions or citizens.citizens.

Regional fundRegional fund

Social fundSocial fund

Cohesion fundCohesion fundConvergence objective: regions with GDP per capita under 75% of the EU average. 81.5% of the funds are spent on this objective.

Regional competitiveness and employment objective.

Solidarity policiesSolidarity policies

The main purpose of the solidarity policies is to The main purpose of the solidarity policies is to support the completion of the single market, and support the completion of the single market, and to correct any imbalances by means of structural to correct any imbalances by means of structural measures to help regions lagging behind or measures to help regions lagging behind or industrial sectors encountering difficulties. industrial sectors encountering difficulties.

The need for solidarity between EU countries and The need for solidarity between EU countries and between regions became even more acute between regions became even more acute following the recent entry of 12 newcomers with following the recent entry of 12 newcomers with incomes well below the EU average. incomes well below the EU average.

The EU must also play its part in helping to The EU must also play its part in helping to restructure sectors of the economy which have restructure sectors of the economy which have been badly affected by fast-growing been badly affected by fast-growing international competition international competition

Regional aidRegional aid

The EU’s regional policy is based on The EU’s regional policy is based on transfers of funds from rich to poor transfers of funds from rich to poor countries. countries.

The money is used to boost development in The money is used to boost development in regions lagging behind, to rejuvenate regions lagging behind, to rejuvenate industrial regions in decline, to help young industrial regions in decline, to help young people and the long-term unemployed find people and the long-term unemployed find work, to modernise farming and to help work, to modernise farming and to help less-favoured rural areas.less-favoured rural areas.

The euro – a single currency The euro – a single currency for Europeans for Europeans

EU countries using the euroEU countries not using the euro

Can be used everywhere in the euro area

Coins: one side with national symbols, one side common Notes: no national side

Economic and monetary union Economic and monetary union (EMU) and the euro(EMU) and the euro

• The euro is the single currency of the The euro is the single currency of the European Union. Twelve of the then 15 European Union. Twelve of the then 15 countries adopted it for non-cash countries adopted it for non-cash transactions from 1999 and for all payments transactions from 1999 and for all payments in 2002 when euro notes and coins were in 2002 when euro notes and coins were issued.issued.

• Three countries (Denmark, Sweden and the Three countries (Denmark, Sweden and the United Kingdom) did not participate in this United Kingdom) did not participate in this monetary union.monetary union.

• The new member countries are getting The new member countries are getting ready to enter the euro area as soon as ready to enter the euro area as soon as they fulfil the necessary criteria.they fulfil the necessary criteria.

• In parallel with the objective of monetary In parallel with the objective of monetary stability, which is the responsibility of the stability, which is the responsibility of the European Central Bank, the member European Central Bank, the member states are committed to higher growth states are committed to higher growth and economic convergence. and economic convergence.

The single marketThe single market

• The single market is one of the European The single market is one of the European Union’s greatest achievements. Union’s greatest achievements. Restrictions between member countries Restrictions between member countries on trade and free competition have on trade and free competition have gradually been eliminated, with the result gradually been eliminated, with the result that standards of living have increased.that standards of living have increased.

• The single market has not yet become a The single market has not yet become a single economic area. Some sectors of single economic area. Some sectors of the economy (public services) are still the economy (public services) are still subject to national laws.subject to national laws.

• The individual EU countries still largely The individual EU countries still largely have the responsibility for taxation and have the responsibility for taxation and social welfare.social welfare.

• The single market is supported by a The single market is supported by a number of related policies put in place by number of related policies put in place by the EU over the years. They help ensure the EU over the years. They help ensure that market liberalisation benefits as that market liberalisation benefits as many businesses and consumers as many businesses and consumers as possible. possible.

The single market: freedom of The single market: freedom of choicechoice

Since 1993:

•2.5 million new jobs

•prices of phone calls and airfares halved

Four freedoms of movement:

•goods

•services

•people

•capital

A citizens’ EuropeA citizens’ Europe• Thanks to the European Union, citizens of Thanks to the European Union, citizens of

member countries can travel, live and member countries can travel, live and work anywhere in Europe.work anywhere in Europe.

• In daily life, the EU encourages and funds In daily life, the EU encourages and funds programmes to bring citizens closer programmes to bring citizens closer together, particularly in the fields of together, particularly in the fields of education and culture.education and culture.

• A feeling of belonging to the European A feeling of belonging to the European Union will develop only gradually, through Union will develop only gradually, through its tangible achievements and successes.its tangible achievements and successes.

• Some symbols that represent a shared Some symbols that represent a shared European identity already exist. The most European identity already exist. The most prominent is the single currency, but prominent is the single currency, but there are also the EU flag and anthem. there are also the EU flag and anthem.

Travelling, living and Travelling, living and working in Europeworking in Europe

• The first right of a European citizen is the right The first right of a European citizen is the right to travel, work and live anywhere in the Union. to travel, work and live anywhere in the Union. The Treaty of Maastricht enshrined this right in The Treaty of Maastricht enshrined this right in its chapter on citizenship.its chapter on citizenship.

• The EU has passed a directive establishing a The EU has passed a directive establishing a system of mutual recognition of higher system of mutual recognition of higher education qualifications. This directive applies education qualifications. This directive applies to all university courses lasting three years or to all university courses lasting three years or more and is based on the principle of mutual more and is based on the principle of mutual confidence in the quality of national education confidence in the quality of national education and training systems.and training systems.

Free to move

““Schengen”:Schengen”:•No police or customs checks No police or customs checks at borders between most EU at borders between most EU countries countries

•Controls strengthened at EU Controls strengthened at EU external bordersexternal borders

•More cooperation between More cooperation between police from different EU police from different EU countriescountries

•You can buy and bring back You can buy and bring back any goods for personal use any goods for personal use when you travel between EU when you travel between EU countries countries

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Going abroad to learn

Over two million young people have studied or Over two million young people have studied or pursued personal development in other European pursued personal development in other European countries with support from EU-programmes: countries with support from EU-programmes:

Comenius: school education Comenius: school education

Erasmus: higher education Erasmus: higher education

Leonardo da Vinci: vocational trainingLeonardo da Vinci: vocational training

Grundtvig: adult education Grundtvig: adult education

Youth in Action: voluntary work and non-formal educationYouth in Action: voluntary work and non-formal education

Improving health and the Improving health and the environmentenvironment

Pollution knows no borders – joint action neededPollution knows no borders – joint action needed

EU action has helped bring us: EU action has helped bring us:

Cleaner bathing waterCleaner bathing water

Much less acid rain Much less acid rain

Lead-free petrol Lead-free petrol

Free and safe disposal of old electronic equipmentFree and safe disposal of old electronic equipment

Strict rules on food safety from farm to fork Strict rules on food safety from farm to fork

More organic and quality farming More organic and quality farming

More effective health warnings on cigarettesMore effective health warnings on cigarettes

Registration and control of all chemicals (REACH)Registration and control of all chemicals (REACH)

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An area of freedom, security An area of freedom, security and justiceand justice

Charter of Fundamental RightsCharter of Fundamental Rights

Joint fight against terrorism Joint fight against terrorism

Police and law-enforcers from Police and law-enforcers from different countries cooperatedifferent countries cooperate

Coordinated asylum and Coordinated asylum and immigration policiesimmigration policies

Civil law cooperation Civil law cooperation

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The EU: an exporter of The EU: an exporter of peace and prosperitypeace and prosperity

World trade rules World trade rules

Common foreign Common foreign and security policyand security policy

Development Development assistance and assistance and humanitarian aidhumanitarian aid

EU runs the peacekeeping operations and the

rebuilding of society in war-torn countries like Bosnia-Herzegovina.

Freedom, security and Freedom, security and justicejustice

• The opening of internal borders between EU The opening of internal borders between EU member states is a very tangible benefit for member states is a very tangible benefit for ordinary people, allowing them to travel freely ordinary people, allowing them to travel freely without being subject to border controls.without being subject to border controls.

• However, this freedom of internal movement must However, this freedom of internal movement must go hand in hand with increased controls at the EU’s go hand in hand with increased controls at the EU’s external borders so as to combat effectively the external borders so as to combat effectively the trafficking of people and drugs, organised crime, trafficking of people and drugs, organised crime, illegal immigration and terrorism.illegal immigration and terrorism.

• The EU countries cooperate in the area of policing The EU countries cooperate in the area of policing and justice so as to make Europe safer and more and justice so as to make Europe safer and more secure. secure.

How does the EU work? How does the EU work?

• The Council of the European Union, which The Council of the European Union, which represents the member states, is the EU’s represents the member states, is the EU’s main decision-taking body.main decision-taking body.

• When it meets at Heads of State or When it meets at Heads of State or Government level, it becomes the Government level, it becomes the European Council whose role is to provide European Council whose role is to provide the EU with political impetus on key the EU with political impetus on key issues.issues.

• The European Parliament, which The European Parliament, which represents the people, shares represents the people, shares legislative and budgetary power with legislative and budgetary power with the Council of the European Union.the Council of the European Union.

• The European Commission, which The European Commission, which represents the common interest of represents the common interest of the EU, is the main executive body. the EU, is the main executive body.

• It has the right to propose legislation It has the right to propose legislation and ensures that EU policies are and ensures that EU policies are properly implemented.properly implemented.

Three key playersThree key playersThe European Parliament- voice of the peopleHans-Gert Pöttering, President of the European Parliament

The council of Ministers- voice of the Member StatesJavier Solana, Secretary-General of the Council of the European Union and High Representative for Common Foreign and Security Policy

The European Commission- promoting the common interestJosé Manuel Barroso, Presidentof the European Commission

Three pillarsThree pillars

The European Union

The Treaties

European Community

domain (most of common policies)

Common foreign and

security policy

Police and judicial

cooperation in criminal

matters

European European ParliamentParliament

The EU institutions

Court of Justice

Court of Auditors

Economic and Social Committee Committee of the Regions

Council of Ministers(Council of the EU) European Commission

European Investment Bank European Central BankAgencies

European Council (summit)

How EU laws are made

Citizens, interests groups, experts: discuss, consult

Commission: makes formal proposal

Parliament and Council of Ministers: decide jointly

Commission and Court of Justice: monitor implementation

National or local authorities: implement

The decision-making The decision-making triangle triangle

The European Union is more than just a The European Union is more than just a confederation of countries, but it is not a confederation of countries, but it is not a federal state. federal state.

It is, in fact, a new type of structure that It is, in fact, a new type of structure that does not fall into any traditional legal does not fall into any traditional legal category. category.

Its political system is historically unique Its political system is historically unique and has been constantly evolving over and has been constantly evolving over more than 50 years.more than 50 years.

The Treaties (known as ‘primary’ The Treaties (known as ‘primary’ legislation), are the basis for a large body legislation), are the basis for a large body of ‘secondary’ legislation which has a of ‘secondary’ legislation which has a direct impact on the daily lives of EU direct impact on the daily lives of EU citizens. citizens.

The secondary legislation consists mainly The secondary legislation consists mainly of regulations, directives and of regulations, directives and recommendations adopted by the EU recommendations adopted by the EU institutions.institutions.

These laws, along with EU policies in general, These laws, along with EU policies in general, are the result of decisions taken by the are the result of decisions taken by the institutional triangle made up of the Council institutional triangle made up of the Council (representing national governments), the (representing national governments), the European Parliament (representing the European Parliament (representing the people) and the European Commission (a people) and the European Commission (a body independent of EU governments that body independent of EU governments that upholds the collective European interest).upholds the collective European interest).

The Council of the European The Council of the European Union and the European Union and the European

CouncilCouncil • The Council of the European Union (also known The Council of the European Union (also known

as the Council of Ministers) is the EU’s main as the Council of Ministers) is the EU’s main decision-making body. decision-making body.

• The EU member states take it in turns to hold The EU member states take it in turns to hold the Council Presidency for a six-month period. the Council Presidency for a six-month period.

• Every Council meeting is attended by one Every Council meeting is attended by one minister from each EU country. minister from each EU country.

• Which ministers attend a meeting depends on Which ministers attend a meeting depends on which topic is on the agenda: foreign affairs, which topic is on the agenda: foreign affairs, agriculture, industry, transport, the agriculture, industry, transport, the environment, etc.environment, etc.

• The Council has legislative power, which it The Council has legislative power, which it shares with the European Parliament under the shares with the European Parliament under the ‘co-decision procedure’. ‘co-decision procedure’.

• In addition to this, the Council and the In addition to this, the Council and the Parliament share equal responsibility for Parliament share equal responsibility for adopting the EU budget. adopting the EU budget.

• The Council also concludes international The Council also concludes international agreements that have been negotiated by the agreements that have been negotiated by the Commission.Commission.

• According to the Treaties, the Council has to According to the Treaties, the Council has to take its decisions either by a simple majority take its decisions either by a simple majority vote, a ‘qualified majority’ vote or vote, a ‘qualified majority’ vote or unanimously, depending on the subject to be unanimously, depending on the subject to be decided.decided.

• The Council has to agree unanimously on The Council has to agree unanimously on important questions such as amending the important questions such as amending the Treaties, launching a new common policy or Treaties, launching a new common policy or allowing a new country to join the Union.allowing a new country to join the Union.

• In most other cases, qualified In most other cases, qualified majority voting is used. majority voting is used.

• This means that a Council decision is This means that a Council decision is adopted if a specified minimum adopted if a specified minimum number of votes are cast in its number of votes are cast in its favour. favour.

• The number of votes allocated to The number of votes allocated to each EU country roughly reflects the each EU country roughly reflects the size of its population.size of its population.

United Kingdom

The European Parliament – The European Parliament – voice of the peoplevoice of the people

13

24

78

78

14

Italy

Ireland

24Hungary

Greece

99Germany

France

Finland

6Estonia

14Denmark

24Czech Republic

6Cyprus

18Bulgaria

24Belgium

18Austria

Decides EU laws and budget together with Council of MinistersDemocratic supervision of all the EU’s work

Total 785

78

19Sweden

54Spain

7Slovenia

14Slovakia

35Romania

24Portugal

54Poland

27Netherlands

5Malta

6Luxembourg

13Lithuania

9Latvia

Number of members elected in each country

The European ParliamentThe European Parliament

• The European Parliament is the elected The European Parliament is the elected body that represents the EU’s citizens. body that represents the EU’s citizens.

• It exercises political supervision over the It exercises political supervision over the EU’s activities and takes part in the EU’s activities and takes part in the legislative process. legislative process.

• Since 1979, members of the European Since 1979, members of the European Parliament (MEPs) have been directly Parliament (MEPs) have been directly elected, by universal suffrage, every five elected, by universal suffrage, every five years.years.

The European political The European political partiesparties

Number of seats in the European Parliament

per political group (March 2008)

European UnitedLeft - Nordic Green Left

41

Socialist Group215

Greens/EuropeanFree Alliance

43

Independence/Democracy

24

Alliance of Liberals andDemocrats for Europe101 European People’s Party

(Christian Democrats)and European Democrats288

Union for Europeof the Nations44

Non-attached members andtemporarily empty seats29

Total : 785

The Parliament takes part in the The Parliament takes part in the legislative work of the EU at three legislative work of the EU at three

levels:levels:• Under the Under the ‘cooperation’ procedure‘cooperation’ procedure, ,

introduced by the Single European Act in introduced by the Single European Act in 1987, the European Parliament can give 1987, the European Parliament can give its opinion on draft directives and its opinion on draft directives and regulations proposed by the European regulations proposed by the European Commission, which is asked to amend its Commission, which is asked to amend its proposals to take account of Parliament’s proposals to take account of Parliament’s position.position.

• Since 1987, there has also been the Since 1987, there has also been the ‘assent’ procedure‘assent’ procedure, under which , under which the European Parliament must give the European Parliament must give its assent to international its assent to international agreements negotiated by the agreements negotiated by the Commission and to any proposed Commission and to any proposed enlargement of the European Union.enlargement of the European Union.

• The 1992 Treaty of Maastricht introduced the The 1992 Treaty of Maastricht introduced the ‘co-‘co-decision proceduredecision procedure, which puts the Parliament on an , which puts the Parliament on an equal footing with the Council when legislating on a equal footing with the Council when legislating on a whole series of important issues including the free whole series of important issues including the free movement of workers, the internal market, education, movement of workers, the internal market, education, research, the environment, trans-European networks, research, the environment, trans-European networks, health, culture, consumer protection, etc. health, culture, consumer protection, etc.

The European Parliament has the power to throw out The European Parliament has the power to throw out proposed legislation in these fields if an absolute proposed legislation in these fields if an absolute majority of members of Parliament vote against the majority of members of Parliament vote against the Council’s ‘common position’. Council’s ‘common position’.

The Treaty has made provision for a conciliation The Treaty has made provision for a conciliation procedure.procedure.

Council of Ministers – voice Council of Ministers – voice of the member statesof the member states

One minister from each EU country

Presidency: rotates every six months

Decides EU laws and budget together

with Parliament

Manages the Common Foreign and

Security Policy

Council of Ministers – Council of Ministers – number of votes per countrynumber of votes per country

345Total:

3Malta

4Estonia, Cyprus, Latvia, Luxembourg and Slovenia

7Denmark, Ireland, Lithuania, Slovakia and Finland

10Austria, Bulgaria and Sweden

12Belgium, Czech Republic, Greece, Hungary and Portugal

13Netherlands

14Romania

27Spain and Poland

29Germany, France, Italy and the United Kingdom

“Qualified majority” needed for many decisions:255 votes and a majority of member states

Summit at the European Summit at the European CouncilCouncil

Summit of heads of state and government of all EU countries

Heldat least 3 times a year Sets the overall guidelines for EU policies

The European Commission – The European Commission – promoting the common interestpromoting the common interest

27 independent members, one from each EU country

Proposes new legislationExecutive organ Guardian of the treatiesRepresents the EU on the international stage

The European The European CommissionCommission

• The Commission is the third part of the institutional The Commission is the third part of the institutional triangle that manages and runs the European Union. triangle that manages and runs the European Union.

• Its members are appointed for a five-year term by Its members are appointed for a five-year term by agreement between the member states, subject to agreement between the member states, subject to approval by the European Parliament.approval by the European Parliament.

• The Commission is answerable to the Parliament, The Commission is answerable to the Parliament, and the entire Commission has to resign if the and the entire Commission has to resign if the Parliament passes a motion of censure against it.Parliament passes a motion of censure against it.

• The Commission enjoys a substantial degree of The Commission enjoys a substantial degree of independence in exercising its powers. independence in exercising its powers.

• Its job is to uphold the common interest, which Its job is to uphold the common interest, which means that it must not take instructions from means that it must not take instructions from any national EU government. any national EU government.

• As ‘Guardian of the Treaties’, it has to ensure As ‘Guardian of the Treaties’, it has to ensure that the regulations and directives adopted by that the regulations and directives adopted by the Council and Parliament are being the Council and Parliament are being implemented in the member states.implemented in the member states.

• If they are not, the Commission can take the If they are not, the Commission can take the offending party to the Court of Justice to oblige offending party to the Court of Justice to oblige it to comply with EU law.it to comply with EU law.

The Court of Justice – upholding the law

27 independent judges, one from each EU country

Rules on how to interpret EU lawEnsures EU laws are used in the same way in all EU countries

The Court of JusticeThe Court of Justice

• The Court of Justice of the European The Court of Justice of the European Communities, located in Luxembourg, is made up Communities, located in Luxembourg, is made up of one judge from each EU country, assisted by of one judge from each EU country, assisted by eight advocates-general.eight advocates-general.

• They are appointed by joint agreement of the They are appointed by joint agreement of the governments of the member states for a governments of the member states for a renewable term of six years. renewable term of six years.

• Their independence is guaranteed. Their independence is guaranteed. • The Court’s role is to ensure that EU law is The Court’s role is to ensure that EU law is

complied with, and that the Treaties are correctly complied with, and that the Treaties are correctly interpreted and applied. interpreted and applied.

The European Court of Auditors: getting value for your money

27 independent members

Checks that EU funds are used properly Can audit any person or organisation dealing with EU funds

The Court of AuditorsThe Court of Auditors

• The Court of Auditors in Luxembourg was The Court of Auditors in Luxembourg was established in 1975. established in 1975.

• It has one member from each EU country, It has one member from each EU country, appointed for a term of six years by agreement appointed for a term of six years by agreement between the member states following between the member states following consultation of the European Parliament.consultation of the European Parliament.

• It checks that all the European Union’s revenue It checks that all the European Union’s revenue has been received and all its expenditure has been received and all its expenditure incurred in a lawful and regular manner and incurred in a lawful and regular manner and that the EU budget has been managed soundly.that the EU budget has been managed soundly.

Ensures price stability

Controls money supply and decides interest rates

Works independently from governments

The European Central Bank:managing the euro

Jean-Claude Trichet President of the Central Bank

The European Central BankThe European Central Bank

• The European Central Bank (ECB), The European Central Bank (ECB), based in Frankfurt, is responsible for based in Frankfurt, is responsible for managing the euro and the EU’s managing the euro and the EU’s monetary policy.monetary policy.

The European Investment The European Investment BankBank

• The European Investment Bank (EIB), The European Investment Bank (EIB), based in Luxembourg, provides loans based in Luxembourg, provides loans and guarantees to help the EU’s less and guarantees to help the EU’s less developed regions and to help make developed regions and to help make businesses more competitive.businesses more competitive.

The European Economic and Social Committee:voice of civil society

344 members

Represents trade unions, employers, farmers, consumers etc

Advises on new EU laws and policies

Promotes the involvement of civil society in EU matters

The European Economic The European Economic and Social Committeeand Social Committee

• When taking decisions in a number of policy When taking decisions in a number of policy areas, the Council and Commission consult areas, the Council and Commission consult the European Economic and Social the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC). Committee (EESC).

• Its members represent the various economic Its members represent the various economic and social interest groups that collectively and social interest groups that collectively make up ‘organised civil society’, and are make up ‘organised civil society’, and are appointed by the Council for a four-year appointed by the Council for a four-year term.term.

The Committee of the Regions:voice of local government

344 members

Represents cities, regions

Advises on new EU laws and policies

Promotes the involvement of local government in EU matters

The Committee of the The Committee of the RegionsRegions

• The Committee of the Regions (CoR) was The Committee of the Regions (CoR) was established under the Treaty on European Union established under the Treaty on European Union and consists of representatives of regional and and consists of representatives of regional and local government proposed by the member states local government proposed by the member states and appointed by the Council for a four-year and appointed by the Council for a four-year term. term.

• Under the Treaty, the Council and Commission Under the Treaty, the Council and Commission must consult the CoR on matters of relevance to must consult the CoR on matters of relevance to the regions, and it may also issue opinions on its the regions, and it may also issue opinions on its own initiative own initiative

Civil servants working for the EU

Commission: about 24 000 civil servantsOther EU institutions: about 10 000 employed

Permanent civil servants

Selected by open competitions

Come from all EU countries

Salaries decided by law

EU administration costs 15 euro per EU citizen per year