Challenges facing the EU with Political, Economic and Sovereignty

When and why was the Amsterdam treaty established ?

1997 = Introducing common immigration laws for EU member states and paving way for EU enlargement. As EU enlarges, more political points of views have to be addressed making it increasingly more difficult to created unified political goals eg. disagreement over the involvement in the 2003 Gulf War

In regards to sovereignty what was done in the past in the EU ?

In the past national governments had the power to block or veto new laws or policies. This has become much more difficult since the Single European Act, 1987. In response 4 organisations were established to oversee the EU and manage future enlargement

Describe the European Council

offers political guidance to the EU, members are the 28 leaders of the member states. Council meets 4 times a year in meetings commonly referred to as EU summits. Most decisions are made by consensus

Describe why outward migration may be an economic negative in the EU

people move from the poorer countries in search of employment in countries with a higher standard of living, evident after 2004 enlargement when people migrated to western European countries. The workers typically gained low-paid employment which in some cases reduced local salary rates

Describe the Council of the EU

responsible for the decision making in the EU, it's also their responsibility to adopt new EU laws and coordinate new policies. Also responsible for negotiating agreements with other countries and international organisations

Why and when was the Maastricht treaty established ?

1992 = formation of 60,000 strong EU army, concern over Ireland's neutrality. Ireland has been neutral since WW2 an EU army could draw Ireland into conflicts

When and why was the Unified in Diversity established ?

2005 = aimed to present the EU as a single trading block. EU constitution differed from many of its members constitutions leading it to be scrapped and replaced by the Lisbon Treaty

When and why was the Lisbon Treaty established ?

2009 = establishes President of the European Council. It was rejected by Ireland in the first referendum over concerns about Ireland's neutrality, taxes and workers rights. It was passed the second time and has made the EU a strong political force

Why was the Foreign Minister established ?

EU parliament elected to represent EU's views on a global level

How many EU states are there and how was it established ?

European Union has 27 member states, it was established in the aftermath of WW2 to prevent further conflict. Present by French foreign minister in 1950 which led to the Treaty of Paris in 1951 setting up the ECSC with 6 members

What are the two ways of achieving political union ?

For political union there are two possible ways of achieving it 1. Supranational union whereby the EU would have the greatest power or 2. ​Intergovernmental union whereby member states would create EU regulations. There are tensions between those who wish to have a closer union and those who prefer the intergovernmental model. The main challenge with developing a stronger political union is the transfer of greater decision making from individual governments to the European Commission

In regards to political union what are there concerns about ?

There are concerns over the idea of drafting common laws on tax rates and other issues and policies about the environment, defence and other international affairs

What is sovereignty?

a country's right to make its own laws With increasing EU political and economic unity, national sovereignty of member states has been weakened. Member states must now abide by EU legislation in several areas such as the environment and family law

Describe the European Parliament

allows debate between the 751 members of the European parliament (MEPs). They debate newly drafted legislation. It has become increasingly powerful

Why was Common Foreign and Security Policy established ?

established with the aim of outlining common political goals

Describe the European commission

its made up of 28 commissioners one from each member. They are responsible for proposing new EU laws. Although from each state they are not supposed to represent that state they should act in the interest of the EU. It has been proposed to reduce the number to 18 meaning some members will lose some of their influence on EU policy and development. One conditions of Ireland accepting the Lisbon treaty was that we would keep our commissioner

What is an economic benefit of sharing skills in the EU ?

labour shortages can be solved by having migrants from another member state work in the state with the shortages. For example Ireland has had a shortage in science and engineering graduates so these can be filled by EU workers.

What is an economic benefit of development in the EU ?

many new states that join are heavily dependent on primary economic activities. Modern technology from other states can help to greatly develop agriculture and industrial output

Describe why cost may be an economic negative in the EU

most new members have an underdeveloped economy than the existing members. The EU Structural and Cohesion Fund must invest large amounts of money to develop these economies eg. 2004 enlargement cost €25 billion

What is a economic benefit in regards to raw materials in the EU ?

the ones available in each country that joins becomes available to the whole EU. Many MNCs invest in new members due to the availability of resources and low labour costs

Describe why debt crisis is a negative in the EU

uncontrolled lending and borrowing led to countries eg. Ireland, Greece and Portugal accumulating huge debts. Countries in the Eurozone faced economic instability, threatening the currency and unity of the EU. Billions of euros were given to these countries in 'bailout' packages. The countries receiving the packages had to give up economic independence as the EU and International Monetary Fund (IMF) carefully monitored their finances. It also highlighted the differences in political views within the EU.

Why is there increased prosperity in the EU with the joining of a new member state ?

with the joining of a new member state each time the size of the labour force and market increases making the EU a heavyweight in world trade.