PowerPoint Presentation

The European UnionContemporary WorldThe European UnionSince the end of WWII and the Cold War, European countries have gradually developed a feeling of collective identity and shared interests. Marshall PlanAmerican aid program to Europe after WWII1948-1952Aim to rebuild devastated areas, modernize industry, make Europe prosperous again and (arguably) to stop the spread of Soviet Communism.

Creation of the ECSCEuropean Coal & Steel Community (1952)First organization to be based on the ideas of supranationalism Symbolic importance

Make war not only unthinkable but materially impossible-Common market for coal and steel to neutralize competition. Founding of the EECEuropean Economic Community (1958)Development of a common market for agricultural & industrial productsHuge increase in trade Common Agricultural Policy (CAP)1962Promotes European agricultural promotion through subsidies and protection from foreign competitionHas been criticized Expansions1st expansion (1973): Denmark, Ireland, United Kingdom2nd expansion (1981): Greece3rd expansion (1986): Spain & PortugalMaastrict TreatyFounding of the European Union (1993)

Political & economic union of the EECBroader powers in foreign policy, security, justice & internal affairsFree circulation of goods, services, money and people (European community)European citizensVote in elections for the European ParliamentCommon currency (launched in 1999)Major Expansion/The Future?*Major expansion (2004): Malta, Cyprus, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuanian, Poland, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Slovenia & Romania (2007).

*Candidates? Iceland, Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia, Turkey, Albania, Bosnia & Herzegovina & Kosovo. -Debated*Constitution? Criteria to JoinStable democracyRespect for human rights and the lawFunctioning market economy (supply & demand)Acceptance of obligations of membership (EU law) FactsPopulation: Close to 500 million!

Members: 28

Official languages: 24Structure of the EU

European Parliament*President: Martin Schulz(since 2012)*German

*Function is legislative, thinklaws (similar to lower house)*The approvers

EU ParliamentHas to approve decisions made by the heads of governmentRepresents the people of the EUOnly organ where employees can be directly elected by EU citizensMost important task is legislationOverall supervision and control of the EU dutiesCan set up investigations and keeps people in checkWork on various topics, different commissions.

European Council*President: Herman Van Rompuy (since 2009)*Belgian

*The directors

European CouncilHeads of governments & the President of the European Commission Power of national decision makers Presidency rotates every 6 months between the membersMeet 4 times a year (summits)At meetings leaders try and agree on a line of action or proclaim guidelines and objectives, rather than every day legislatures procedures. Fierce negotiations, horse tradingCountries often judge their leaders based on benefits they bring to the countryEuropean Commission *President: Jose ManuelBarroso (since 2004)*Portuguese

*They are the government of the EU*The people who take action*Function is executive

European CommissionComposed of 28 commissioners Each country proposes their commissioner for different departments Commissioners must be approved by the Parliament Only organ that can propose new laws, that can be heard, drafted, modified accepted or refused by the Council of Ministers and the European Parliament. Council of MinistersHeads of departments in national governments e.g. Ministers of Justice, Ministers of Agriculture etc. National interests often take center stageVaries depending on the issue

The advisorsFunction is legislative (think laws)Similar to upper house

Facts to ConsiderOfficial LanguagesImportant documents are translated into EACH of these languages:Bulgarian, Croatian, Czech, Danish, Dutch, English, Estonian, Finnish, French, German, Greek, Hungarian, Itailan, Irish, Latvian, Lithuanian, Maltese, Polish, Portuguese, Romanian, Slovak, Slovene, Spanish and Swedish.