European Union

Is the European Union: 1) an international organization, 2) a federal state, 3) a confederation, 4) an economic bloc, 5) sui generis political system, 6) other?

Aleksa sees it as federation. The difference between federation and confederation, a central government. In federal state, you have one central government, example. EU has a kind of central government, serenity - government power. But we have each states. Maybe there is nothing like it, something we haven't seen before. It is not doing great for integrating, it's unice but what should it be? Can we strive for equality? There are so big differences in population. They choose to start the EU, and they can choose to leave, so is it just an organization? 3 elements for a state: territory, some population, a government power. Recognition is important. At the table 1945 there was the cold war, us mot Ussr. Security issues, trust issues,

What were the achievements of the Treaties of Amsterdam and Nice?

Amsterdam (1997 - 1999) enlargment of the eu to the east , launching single currency, asylum, immigration, unemployment, social policy, health protection, Nice 2001 2003- Make the institutional changes needed to prepare for eastward expansion of the eu and to mae the eu more democratic and transparent. Only actually did some structural change.

Explain the functions and structure of the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC).

Brussel, advisory body set up under treaty of Rome. Give employer, workers etc a place where they could meet and talk and issue opinions to the commission, the council of ministers and the parliament. What is happening that you need this kind of input? There are a lot of information the lawmaker doesn't have information about - they don't know for example everything about chemicals. Public participation and gap filling, it is an interest group. They don't have to listen, there is no accountability, a concern. 3 groups 1. Industry, services, small businesses, chambers of commerce, banking, insurance and similar areas 2. Labor unions 3. Varied intrests, agricultural, small businesses, consumer 353 members from all member states, based on population. Is a president for 2.5 years, meets 9-10 times a year.

What is the core goal of the ECJ?

Build a body of common law for the EU that is equally, fairly, and uniformly applied throughout the member states.

Explain the functions and structure of the European Committee of the Regions (C o R).

Can never be balanced trade Basque is a region, local is the city. Respresentative from different regions. It is a issue with minorities people, samer for examples, no efficient way to represent every group of people. They are the one overseeing the law? Who actually deals with it is local government. Environmental rules are set up, but how do they do it? Who pick up the trash etc. People are organized where they live. If we live locally, how should that work for everything that we talked about? How do we get people represented?

Explain the ordinary legislative procedure. EP

Commission has the monopoly on development of the laws.EP and council of ministers interact on debate over the adoption of laws. 1. Commission sends a proposal to EP and CoM 2. The relevant parliamentart standing comitee look at it and draws up a report. Parliament then vote on report in plenary session. FIRST READING 3. If no changes proposal is adopted. If Council disagrees they modife them in a common position. 4. Common position sent to Parliament, 3 months to respond. If they approve or fail to act by deadline proposal adopted. If not agree or propose amendments recommendation discussed by EP in SECONF READING 5. Changes forwarded to Commission, gives opinon. Then to Council which can accept or deny. If reject, the proposal is sent to conciliation committee who tries to reconcile the differences. 6. If committee can't agree within 6 weeks, proposal lapses. Most cases they reach agreement which goes to Parliament for approval. THIRD READING. If EP agrees it is adopted, reject the proposal lapses. Parliament edits the text. The majority of laws are most detailed. If there are any issues with local laws and local laws, committee of regions.

Explain the work of the Coreper II and I and of the working parties of the Council of the European Union.

Coreper is the meeting place for the permanent representatives. They do the detailed work of the council , attempting between meeting on reaching agreements on as many proposal as possible. 90% of the work is solved before ministers meet. Only the most political, sensitive and controversial things goes to the ministers. Was recognized in 1965 Merger Treaty. The Act is valuable link between Brussels and the member states ensuring that views are expressed and defended. They know each other well and want negotations to go smooth. There are many committies as well. The committee of Permanent representatives - CORPER 2 and then CORPER 1 (It goes first through the corper 1 and then corper 2). Person that is being sent must be able to represent to country - like sign laws etc. The corper 2 are the head of ambecys in Brussel, chief diplomats. In Corper 1 is deputive representatives. - Working parties - Behind closed doors, are doing a lot of work. Someone needs to get the job before it reches the top, otherwise nothing would be done.

Explain the evolution of the ECJ and its origin.

Established in 1952 as Court of Justice of the European Coal and Steel Community(ECSC). After Treaty of Paris it was there eith another name until Maastricht. Has the court grown and been more efficient? It has grown because of now they have one member from every country, the institutions have grown, should it be this powerful? Has become a silent threat to the member states.

What are the origins of the European Commission?

Generating new laws, overseeing implementation, eu budget, representing eu on international negotiation. The orgin can be tracked to the high authority of the ecsc.

What changes did the Treaty on European Union effect?

Intergrate further the states politically an enomomically. The currency. More cooperation on immigration and asylum, police intellegence to combat organized crime, regional funds for poorer states. European citixenship.

Explain the functions and structure of the European Police Office (Europol).

It is not Interpol but that idea for the member states. Not police officer for the union. They are criminal intelligence. Trafficking, terrorism etc, money corruption, human trafficking, vejicle smuggling, Based in Hauge, 1999 operation established 1994.

Why did the draft Constitutional Treaty fail?

It was in favor for larger countries, every country needed to accept it for it to be approved.

Explain the structure of the European Commission.

It's based in Brusel, it has 5 main elements: - The college of commissioners: - The president - The directorates-general and services - The secretarait-general - Network of committees

When was the euro introduced?

January 1999, switched on january 1 2002.

Who is the President of the European Commission? What are their main tasks?

Jean Claude Junker. Belongs to the European Political Party, they are the highest representatives. Serves 5 years, decides on the distrubition of portfolios, represents the commission in dealings with other units, responsible for ensuring that the commission gives impetus to the process of european intergration.

What are the powers and functions of the European Court of Justice (ECJ)?

Judicial arm 28 judges, 6 year renewable terms Based in Luxembourg General Court-less complicated cases EU Civil Service Tribunal- EU institutions and staff Supranational but big player in promoting integration' Interpretation of treaties It is not a EU court, people outside can bring errands in there.

Explain the functions and structure of the European Court of Auditors.

Luxemburg 1977. Financial watchdog. Carries out annual auditsof the accounts of all EU institutions t oensure that revenue has been raised and expenditure incurred in a lawful and regular manner and to monitor the EU's financial management. All the DG's make budgets, then the auditors - the European court of auditors, Make it ones a year. Audits the entire EU budget, report to all three of the institutions. The commission propose and parliament and council need to look because they are all part of the budget. Gets it in November, Each memberstate one auditor. 6 year rewneable term, because of it doesn't always end for the year of elevtion.

After the Treaty on European Union, who was responsible for monetary policy? fiscal policy?

Monetary: The european central bank Fiscal: was in the hands of the members states

How is the President of the European Commission selected and appointed?

Since the treaty of lisbon lead to a change in how it is done, starting in 2014: commissions presidents were to be proposed by the european council using the qualified majority vote. Candidates most be confirmed by the EP. SSenate for presidental nomines to the cabinet.

How are Commissioners selected to the College of Commissioners? What are the length of their terms? What are the requisite qualifications? How do Commissioners receive their appointments?

Taking collective responsible for desicions, Each has a policy portfolio which they are responsible for, serves 5 years term. Nominated by national governments but desicions take stogether with the president of the commision. Usally has a politcal background. In making appointments there are three main factors - Abilities, political skills and professional background. - Lobbying by commissioners and their home governments. - Recognition and promotion.

Why was the origin of the European Union based in coal and steel?

The European coal and steel union. If there is a free trade on coal and steel, and can wash and see something. To make war impossible? Schuman decleration on may 9 1950. French foreign minister. On May 9 it is Europe day, he announced it on that day because of the Schuman declaration, the first start of EU 1950. He did announce it at a press conference. It was marketing, he maybe didn't have the political will but he got it out there, free trade for coal and steel. They said it was going to be made step by step, and that's not the way you think of nation building. At this point, there should only be one common production, It is about sharing a gun, to build up trust between the countries. It sounds good that making war impossible, doesn't really do it though, what they did was to create a market

How is the President of the ECJ elected?

The President of the Court of Justice is elected from and by the judges for a renewable term of three years

Explain the powers of the European Commission.

The commissions responisibility is to make sure the treaties are being held. It does this in 4 ways. - Powers of Initiation: Need to make sure it turns in to laws, provide leadership for EU. It has the right of initiat, can draw up completely new proposals and pass to the parliament and the council of ministers. A proposoal normally starts in the middle of a DG, it will then be passed up, vetted by the commissions legal service and sicussed by cabinets and advisory committees. In the end it reach the college of commissioners. They need majority votes, if it passes it get send to parliament and then council of ministers. - Powers of implementation: The commission is responsible that the laws are implemented by memberstates. They need to go through national bureaucracies to do so. They can collect information from ms so it can moniter progress, take to the court of justice if any ms does not do it. Impose sanctions if law are not being implemented. They also rely on whistle-lowing because many countries tries to hide. It could be individuals, corporations and interest groups who occasionally report to the commission. They publish progress of implementation to make it more pressuring. Poland is worse. If they fall behind they can pressure a warning giving it time to comply - usually two months. If there is still noncompliance, the state can be taken to the court of justice for failure to fulfil its obligations. - Managing EU Finances: The commission ensures all EU revenues are collected, plays a key role in drafting and guiding the budget through the council of ministers and parliament, and administrers eu spending (especially under Common agruculural policy). Collecting involves working with national agencies to make sure they understand where income needs to be generated as their required contribution. Making all the spending conditions. - External Relations: Works as the main external representative in dealing with international organizations such as the US. Discussions on global trade overseen by the commission acting on behalf of ms. Commission oversees the process for application even though it is the council of ministers who gets them and commission examines all the implication and then back to the council.

What is the eurozone?

The group of countries within the EU using the euro as a currency

What are the sources of European Union Law?

There are three sources of EU law: primary law, secondary law and supplementary law. Primary law The main sources of primary law are the treaties establishing the EU: the Treaty on the EU and the Treaty on the Functioning of the EU. These treaties set out the distribution of competences between the EU and the EU countries and describe the powers of the European institutions. They therefore determine the legal framework within which the EU institutions have to work to implement policies. Primary law also includes: the amending EU Treaties; the protocols annexed to the founding treaties and to the amending treaties; the treaties on the accession of new countries to the EU. Secondary law Secondary sources are legal instruments based on the treaties. Secondary law comprises unilateral acts and agreements. Unilateral acts can be divided into two categories: those listed in Article 288 TFEU: regulations, directives, decisions, opinions and recommendations; those not listed in Article 288 TFEU, i.e. 'atypical' acts such as communications and recommendations, and white and green papers. Conventions and agreements include: international agreements, signed by the EU and a country or outside organisation; agreements between EU countries; and interinstitutional agreements, i.e. agreements between the EU institutions. Supplementary sources of law Supplementary sources are elements of law not specifically mentioned in the treaties. This category includes: case-law of the Court of Justice of the EU (CJEU); international law — often a source of inspiration for the CJEU when developing its case-law. The CJEU cites written law, custom and usage; general principles of law — unwritten sources of law developed by the case-law of the CJEU. They have allowed the CJEU to implement rules in various areas that are not mentioned in the treaties.

Explain the work of the Court.

There are two main activities that they do: Preliminary ruling - a case from somewhere else, the nationals send their case to a preliminary ruling, they are not decided in ecj:s, goes back and avslutas I det. Direct actions, doesn't stop at national law first goes straight to EU. - Action for annulment: Cancel something, who wants? Companies or memberstates vs. EU institutions (commission because they are the executive when it comes to law) It goes against the treaties - Action for failure to act: institutions, member states or indivduals, companies, vs EU institutions - Action for damages: damage in general, to be harmed. You suw for compensation. How will you prove that you are harmed by eu law? Individuals (member states maybe) vs EU institutions. - Action for failure to fulfil an obligations: Commission/MS vs MS - Actions by staff: They need to have protections appeals General court vs ECJ

What is the interrelation between World War II and the design of the European Union?

They dreamed of integrating European economies and removing controls on the movement of people, money, goods, and services; they were driven by the desire to promote peace and to build a single European market that could compete with the United States. First step in 1951 Treaty of Paris created the European Coal and Steel Community. Started to trade on the material which weapon was made of. The Union is built around conflicts and national interests.

Explain the distinction between the European System of Central Banks and the Eurosystem.

They have the Eurosystem: every member state that has adopted the euro. Någon annan council

Why did Britain turn down membership in the euro?

Tony Blair set five criteria and insisted on a referndum.

Explain the powers of the Council of the European Union.

What they do: oversees attempt to coordinate the economic policies of member states, digning international tretien on behalf of the EU, approving the EU budget, promoting the cpmmon foreign and security policy. - When a proposal reaches the Council depends on the complexity: The more complex go first to a corper working parties, than the corperer, than relevant council. - Signing international treaties, negotiate with the commission on behalf of the European union. Parliament need to decide aswell. - Adopts/signs the budget with the EP - Adopts/signs the proposals from commissions - Promoting the common foreign and security policy. National control policies matter. Makes sence that it his here because it represents the national interests.

Do voters in EP elections make their choices on the basis of domestic or European issues? Why?

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How has the Court contributed to European integration?

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How is voting conducted in the European Commission?

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Which functions are shared with the Council of the European Union?

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What were the positive and negative effects of the membership enlargement?

It increased the international influence of the EEC (largest economic bloc in the world) Complicated the community's decision-making processes Reduced the overall influence of Germany and France By bringing the poorer countries in it altered the internal economic balance.

Explain the structure of the EP.

- A single chamber where the members are elected by universal suffrage for fixed renewable five-year terms. - Three main elements: the president, parliamentary committees and the MEP. - Organizational matter in the EP are addressed by 3 groups - conference of president (decide timetable and agenda for plenary session and manage system of committees) bureau of the EP (president and vice, administrative, organizational and staff issues and for the budget) and conference of committee chairs (monthly, discuss organizational issues and help draft plenary agenda). - Parliamentary committee: detailed work where they discuss and amend legislative proposals. 20 as today. Consider all new legislation relevant to their areas. Strong competition among MEPs to win appointment to a committee, some have higher political status. Seats are divided on basis of a balance of party affiliations, the seniority of MEPs and national interest, Ones appointed committee members select their own bureaus (a chair ans three vice chairs) who hols office half a term. - Members of the European Parliament (MEPs): 2015 751 elected members. Seats are distrubatd roughly on the basis of population. In the past members were elected members of national parliaments who also were appointed to the EP - a dual mandate. As work load grew impractical. The result has been a weakening of the links between national legislature and the EP. Candidates for elections are chosen by their national parties, but once in office they have independante mandate. They are paid by their home governments, now the same since 2009? - They split after half the period, it has been left and right - because they have almost the sam size. If it were majority it could sit the whole period. - The committees chamber conference of the committee chairs conference of the president policy something... - 20 committiies - Context of presidents

What is the main objective of the European Council?

- Acts like a board of directors of the European Union - Meeting place for the leaders of EU, their foreign ministers and president of the Commission. - Provide strategic policy direction for the EU - sketches the broad picture. - It is intergovernmental but does not ignore European interests. - Has been important for integration, launching major new initatives (including the treaties), issuing key declarations on international crises, generating EU institutional changes and has been giving new momentum to EU foreign policy

Explain the configurations of the Council of the European Union.

- Based in Justus Liosius building in Brussel The council has 4 main elements: the council of ministers, committee of permanent represenaties, the presidency and the general secretariat. The councils: (agriculture and fisheries, compertitiveness, economic and financial affairs, education youth culture and sport, employment social policy health and consumer affaris, environment, foreign affaris, general affairs, justice and home affairs and transport telecommunications and energy). The most important is General Affairs council. The five most important meet once a month, the other ¾ times a year. The councils donät consist of relevant and wquivalent ministers from each member state. The members can send other than the ministers if they have urgent problems at home. The Permanent Representatives (Coreper): Coreper is the meeting place for the permanent representatives. They do the detailed work of the council , attempting between meeting on reaching agreements on as many proposal as possible. 90% of the work is solved before ministers meet. Only the most political, sensitive and controversial things goes to the ministers. Was recognized in 1965 Merger Treaty. The Act is valuable link between Brussels and the member states ensuring that views are expressed and defended. They know each other well and want negotations to go smooth. There are many committies as well. The Presidency: The general secretariat: The bureaucracy of the Council - 3000 staff In Brussel, translators and service staff. The office is headed by secretary general for 5 year periods. Prepare council meetings, adises the presidency, provides legal adice for the council and coreper, briefs eery council meeting etc. Given more powers in 1999 when the position was comibined with high representatives for the common foreign and security policy. Lisbon changed this though, more similar to before now.

What are the responsibilities of the President of the European Council?

- Charing the European Council and driving forwards its work - Oversee preparation work along with president of the commission and the general affais council - Acting as an external representative for the EU - Meets minimum 4 times a year, could be crisis meetings. - Puts up a a strategic agenda, every five years. The commission sets up 10 priorities and the council sets up 5 things. Job and groeth, empowering sometging, energy and climate polices, freedom security and justice, the eu as a strong global actor. There are not a conflict between the five and the 10. Somehow to have a political sencense. It is very bissar to have to thing doing the same thigs, why have both?

Explain the structure of the ECJ and the role of each of its elements.

- Court of justice - made up by 3 elements (President, Judges 28, Advocate Generals 11). An advocate gives its opinion, 1 are assigned for each case. Judges depends on the sice of the case. Who will you choose to be the advocate? How many should it be? The president decides. - General Court - 2 elements - Judges and president Judges terms are 6 terms which could be renewable. They have to be lawyers only qualification. The persons who can remove a judge are the other judges - unanimous votes. Any language can cases be presented. It is one of the biggest barrios otherwise. You cannot sue a judge because they have immunity because of potentially that they have clear head and don't get mutes, they also have job to done, they should not base their job on things if they could be sued. Advocate generals are only 11, there are some permanent from biggest states, the other rotates. (The CJEU is divided into 2 courts: Court of Justice - deals with requests for preliminary rulings from national courts, certain actions for annulment and appeals. General Court - rules on actions for annulment brought by individuals, companies and, in some cases, EU governments. In practice, this means that this court deals mainly with competition law, State aid, trade, agriculture, trade marks. Each judge and advocate general is appointed for a renewable 6-year term, jointly by national governments. In each Court, the judges select a President who serves a renewable term of 3 years)

Explain the origin and evolution of the European Council.

- Created in 1974 because of need of stronger leadership. - Was given legal recognition with the ingle European Act and Maastricht confirmed that the Council would "provide the Union with the necessary impetus for its development and shall define the general political guidelines thereof" - Started earlier than 1974, de Gaulle came with a suggestion and a summit was held in Paris and Christian Fouchet became the chairman but the French interest was to big. - Jean Monnet suggested a Provisional European Governement and arrangement was reached under summit in Copenhagen dec 1973 to arrange more frequent meetings. - Get a president from Lisbon, 2009. Formal meeting in 1975. Legal recognition, 1985 signed. Seeing the need over time, memberships keeps growing, it needs a push from it highs leadership. It also pulls a handbreak on everything. Donald Tusk now is the president, polish. Need to be respected, no formal criteria.

Describe the circumstances of the first and second rounds of enlargement.

- Denmark wanted to join because of agricultural reasons and a lot was being exported to Britain. Brittan had approved from the US who supported the community. Ireland saw the EEC as a potential boost for its industrial plans and to reduce the reliance on agriculture and Britain. Brittan and Norway thought it was good for the importance of the market. - Everything went good until Charles de Gaulle came in to the picture. The French president who saw that the EEC was built up around Franco-German saw Britain as a rival to French influence in the EEC. He thought British membership would led to much influence of the US (confirmed at 1962 when Britain accepted the U.S offer of Polar missiles as deliver vehicles for Britain's nuclear warheads). - Gaulle vetoed the British application and signed the treaty with Germany. And Britain's application came as a package which led to that Norway, Denmark and Ireland was denied as well. - Britain applied again in 1966 but was vetoed by de Gaulle who was worried about the influence of the US and also to make sure that French interest in the common agricultural policy were not undermined. - 1969 they applied a third time when Gaulle resigned. Then Norway, Denmark, Ireland came along in the application - Britain, Ireland and Denmark joined the EEC in January 1973. Norway didn't join because concerns of farmers and fishing communities. - The second round came 1980 which was more south. Greece wanted to join before but their economy was too bad, but now even though it was bad they responded that a membership would help them to rebuild the democracy (joined 1981) Spain and Portugal applied 1962 but were under dictatorships, joined 1986 when their dictators were gone and even though they were poor this would encourage democracy and they would work more close to the NATO.

What were the goals and achievements of the Treaty of Rome?

- EEC created the 6 to several goals: o the creation of a single market within 12 years, o agreement on a common external tariff, o the reduction of barriers to the free movement of people service and capital, o the creation of the European social fund o European investment bank. - Euratom focused on (French interest): single market for a atomic energy, but was quickly relegated to focusing on research.

What was the goal of the Single European Act?

- Goal to complete the single market by midninght och December 31, 1992 by vreating an area witout internal frontiers in which the free mocement of goods, persons, services and capital is assures. - Signed in Luxemburf 1986, cam to force july 1987. e community was given responsibility oer new policy areas, such as environment, research and development, and regianl policy - New powers were given to the euproean court of justice - created court of first instance - Legal status was given to meetings of heads of government under the European council and to community foreign policy coordination. - Internal passport and costums control were eased or lifted - Banks and companies could go worldwide - Protectionsism became illegal.

What did the ECSC create

- High authority, 6 members but 9 leaders, they don't carry the same. Make sure interest is joint - Special council of ministers: 6 members, equal representation, interest: national - Common assembly: population based, members of national legislation. The national government decide, interest: national - Court of justice: independent It's more self-interest than joint-interest. The intier structure is national. You don't see democracy, not enough European interest.

What changes were made to the institutional framework of the European Coal and Steel Community?

- Instead of high authority the EEC had an appointed nine-member quasi-executive commission that had less power to impose decisions on member states. Mainly focus were to initiate policy and to oversee implementation - The EEC Council of ministers was given greater power over decisions but still represented national interest. It had six members but 17 votes. Some decisions were anonymous others by majority, or qualified majority of 12 votes from at least 4 states. - Single parliamentary assembly was created to cover the EEC, ECSC and Euratom. It could question the commission of ECSC, but little legislative authority Renamed to European parliament in 1962. - A single court of justice was created with 7 judges. - It became more democratic in 1979 with the introduction of direct elections to the European parliament.

In which ways does the EP lack defining powers of a legislature? Why?

- It cannot directly introduce proposals for new laws - It cannot decide alone on the content of the laws - It cannot raise revenues

What are the origins of the Council of the European Union.

- It grew out of the Special Council of Ministers of the ECSC which was created at the insistence of the Benelux countries to defend their national intereset. The member consisted of national government ministers, the ECSC Council provided an intergovernmental balance to the supranational qualities of the High Authority. The High Authority would not be enough. - A separate Council of Ministers was created for EEC in 1958 - they had simple majority voting or 17?? - From Merger Treaty - Council of Ministers were created in 1967, changed name to Council of EU 1993. ONE Council now. - Seperated by protecting national intersent and the intrest of the Community. Thanks to Single European Act and Lisabon, they have to share its decision making authority with tha Parliament. Now the parliament and the council has the same power, but the council has been losing power lately, will it continue?

What is the European Union? What is Europe? and, how are they distinct?

- It is not a European superstate, and suggestions that it might one day become a United States of Europe are greeted with a volatile mixture of enthusiasm and hostility - an entity that has its own institutions and body of laws, twenty-eight member states and more than 500 million residents, a common currency used by more than half its members, and increasing agreement on a wide range of common policy areas.

What are the responsibilities of the Presidency? Explain the rotation of the Presidency. (Council of the European union)

- It's held by a country with every country taking turn every 6 months. - Prepares and coordinates the work of the council of the EU and sets the agenda for about 2000 meetings - Arranges and chairs meetings of the Council of the EU and Coreper and the represent the council in relations with other EU institutions. An active presidency will lean heaily on coreper to push its favorite proposals and to ensure agreement is reached. - It mediantes and bargains and is responsible for promoting coorperation among member states and for ensuring that policy development is consistency and continuity. - Much of the power lays outside the presidency even when they have big plans. - Main advantage of golding it is that it allows a member state to convene meeting and launch strategic initatives on issues of the top to the EU agenda. - Also when smaller states are it gets them interact with other world leaders - feel more involved. - Disadvatage: the sheer of volume of the work involveved which especially is bad for contries with limited resources. - Every 6 months it changes, Jan-Jul. - Before alpabethical, but with more countries it changed. - Troika system where ministers from the incumbent presidency work closely with the predecessors. "Eighteen month three state team" where one of the member states chair all the meeting and formally holding the position. - Can pass up it turns on president, or ask other country for help. - Right now Bulgarian, last term Estonia, next Austria.

How often does the European Council meet? Where? Who attends?

- Meet in Brussel, summits lasting no longer than 2 days - 4 annual meetings from the Lisbon treaty, was different before. - In summits Heads of government of the EU member states, ministers of the member states (normally foreign ministers), President of Council, President of Commission , the high representatives of the Union for Foreign affairs and security Policy, some other staff

What is the role of the European Union in the international community?

- Money - Although this is beginning to come under some strain, there is now virtually unlimited free movement of people, money, goods, and services among most of its member states. - The rise of the EU also has important political implications for North America. During the Cold War the most critical political relationship in the world was that between the United States and the Soviet Union— much else that happened in the world was determined by the attempts of the two adversaries to outwit and outmaneuver one another. - The political influence of the EU has grown. Its economic might cannot be ignored; its policy positions have often been less controversial than many of those taken by the United States; and while the U.S. is associated (not always fairly) with hard power (coercion, threats, and the use of military force), the EU is associated with soft power¨ - Meanwhile, the promise of access to the European marketplace or even—for the select few—of membership in the European Union has arguably had a greater effect on promoting lasting democratic change and economic development, at least for Europe's closest neighbours.

How is the President selected and what are his/her responsibilities? (European Parliament)

- Most be an MEP - Elected by other MEPs for 5 years - Presides over debates during plenary sessions, signs the EU budget and all legislative proposals decided by the orinary legislative producer, passes proposals to committees and represents parliament in relation with other institutions. Also presides over meeting of the conference of presidents and the bureau of the EP. - Has 14th vice presidents, 2 and a half years and can substitute for the P at meetings. - Is appointed as a result of interparty bargaining for only half a term each. - Today Martin Schulz - social democrat from Germany - The president and the vice president creates the bureau of the Euoropean Parliament. (They are the admin of the thing kind of)

How is voting conducted in the Council of the European Union?

- Most issues by qualified majority voting or QMV - which prevent big states in having to much power and incourage to form colusions. Under the rules of QVM from Trety of Nice, each EU member state was given several votes roughly in proportion to its population for a total of 352. A proposal had to win a triple majority. This was critized - to hard for approval. Lisbon changed to 55% from minimum 15 member states and 65 % of EU population. A blocking needs 4 states representing 35%. - Since Luxembourg compromise each member state has possessed an implied national veto. - Decision making in 3 options: Under the consulation procedure (ask parliament for opinions), under the ordinary legislative procedure (shares legislative powers with parliament) and under the consent procedure (parliament must agree before a proposal is passed). The voting need to be more complex, you canät do one vote one state, you can't denie that Germany has the largest amount of the people and the largest economy. Three ways of voting. - Simple majority - 15 members - Unamanity - 28 memebers voting the same. For treaty reforms. For example, new member states. Let's say Catalonia, Spain will never recognize them. - Qualified majority - Most used. 55% of ministers voting - 16 votes + 65% of the EU population with 4 states minimum.

How does the European Council promote European integration?

- National delegations normally have issues they want to raise in meetings - An active president in the Council of ministers sometimes uses the summits to bring items of national or reginal interest to attention of the heads of government. - The summits sometimes launch major policy initative as to deal with Eurozone crises. - Te purpose can be seen as change views, give political impetus to the development of the EU, guarantee policy consistency and reach common positions on foreign policy matters, Representing different views, they are the ultimate voice of the people. More trust when our leader represents, it is a pr factor in it. If they get their shit together maybe we can skip the councils.

What are the key powers and functions of the EP?

- Powers over legislation: They can send representatives in early development meetings held by the commission. Publish own initative. Initally the parliament was limited to the consulation procudre, accept or no. Have the same power here as the council of ministers on decision making. They have veto powers over council of ministers over: allowing new members, concluding international agreements, imposing penalties, attempting to introduce a uniform electoral system - Powers over budget: Joint power over budget. Commission draft, they decide. Can reject it with two third majority. Normally introduced in April. - Powers over the other EU institutions: debate the legislative program of the commission. Can take the commission or council of EU to court of justice. They can force the resignation of the entire college of commissioners with absolut majorit and two thirds votes. They can force commission and council to take a astand and answer questions. They can set ut investingating in??

What is the significance of the European Coal and Steel Community in relation to the progressive development of European integration?

- Robert Schuman's original view was that any move toward political integration and a common European identity would depend upon further economic integration. The first 6 created European economic community (EEC) with the goal of creating a single market.

What are the origins of the EP?

- Started as Common Assembly of the ECSC in 1952. The assembly had no power of law for the ECSC or influence lawmaking. The only power ti has was the ability to force the high authority t oresign through a vote of censure - never used it though. - Treaties of Rome now instead the joint European parliamentary assembly. Powers to give it joint responsibility with council of ministers over the budget. - 1962 European Parliament - 1970 shared responsibility with the council of ministers over community budget. - 1980 really gave them real power. - Single European act and Maastricht gave them more powers as greater input in the lawmaking process. - The ordinary legislative procedure, giving the parliament the effective right to veto new legislations.

Where is the seat(s)* of the European Parliament (EP)?

- Strasbourg, France. Holds its plenary sessions, meets there for only 3 or 4 days a month. Plenaries achieve relatively little. Hard with accommodation in Strasbourg - plenty of plenaries are not well attended. - Parliamentary committees meet in Brussels for 2 weeks every month. - The administrative secretariat is in Luxemburg - most of the support staff work there.

Explain the structure of the European Council.

- Summits earlier took place in the capital of member state holding the presidency of the council of ministers or in a regional city or town. Now all in Brussel - Can be seen as decision maker of last resort, a collective presidency in which sovereignty is pooled etc. - There are 3 keys to understand the way the Council works: o Flexibility: Relatively lack of rules, regulations. Have a level of freedom o Informality: Summits are built on advanced preparations, try to keep away from formal votes and meetings are small o Delegation: Focuses on the big picture, leaves other institutions to work out the details. - The major goal of each summit meeting is to agree to a set of formal conclusions. They produce a document called conclusion, then it is passed along. Political conclusions.

Explain the functions and structure of the European Central Bank (ECB).

- The Eurozone are the states are involved with the euros. Aspect of monetary policy and intersest rate, control inflation, insure price stability, insuring safety of other banks within the EU. The role changed quickly. Got brought to ourt, are they going past their treaties? They don't control the fisical things. It is a complex situation and a though role. Member states can't ask for loan there. Not a loaning institutions. It's about the currency, In Frankfurt. 1998 because euro was about to come. - They have the Eurosystem: every member state that has adopted the euro. Någon annan council - European system as central bank. Non eurostates have different things general council - Meets twice a month. Executive board,

What were the key achievements of the Treaty of Lisbon?

- The creation of the positions of president of the curopean council and high representative of the union for foreign affairs and security policy. (a eu foreign minister) - Formal establishment of the European council as an institution int its own rights - Take away Maastricht and European community - Qualified majoirity voting within the council of ministers - New powers to the European parliament, giving it and council of ministers equal power of proposals for almost all eu legislation - Recognition of the rights laid out in the charter of fundamental rights - A single legal personality for the eu.

How do interpersonal dynamics affect the work of the European Council?

- The franco-german axis has always been critical due to influence by the strong personal relations - Leaders who has been in office for a long time or have a solid base of political support at home will be in different negotiation positions than others. - Some leaders are respected and hace strong credibility, while others don't.

What are the "four freedoms"?

- The free movement of people, money, goods and services. - Didn't work completely because of nontariff barriers persisted, including different technical standards and quality controls, different health and safety standards and different leves of indirect taxation.

What did the signing of the Treaty of Rome establish?

- The treaty of Rome can be seen as the forerunners of the institutions of EU today: a commission that served as a quasi-executive, a council of ministers and a parliamentary assembly that performed legislative functions and a court of justice. This was a kick-start for economic integration and brought new members to the European community. - They wanted to establish a united Europe by development of common institutions, the progressive fusion of national economies, the creation of a common market and the progressive harmonization of their social policies. - Signed march 25, 1957, 1958 came in to work. - Created the EEC and the European atomic energy community

Explain the functions and structure of the European Investment Bank (EIB).

1958, They borrow from to make for infrastructure for example (50%). Channel Tunnel for example, 90 billion euro for budget. Poor countries as eastern Europe get the most. Investing in the poor so we can have a single market for example. board of governors consisting of finance ministers, a decision-making board of directors (27 member plus representative from the European commission).

When did the Treaty on European Union come into effect? Why the delay?

1993, denmark refused somethings.

Explain the functions and structure of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD).

60 shareholder countries, in big economies, the us japan etc. development needs prosperity. They want eu to do well so they can trade with them. EU itself is a shareholder and the eu investment bank. It is a loaning institution. Is in London. 60% to the private section. Structure: a representive from a shareholder, minister of finance usually.

What were the three pillars of the newly formed European Union?

A reformed strengthend european community, a common foreign and security policy that would replace eps, new policies on justice and home affairs