Supranational or Intergovernmental
Is the EU Parliament a supranational or intergovernmental organisation?
It represents citizens not states which makes it more like a supranational institution and so through the representation of people, it can be stated that the EU Parliament is a quintessential supranational institution
Procedure for taking decisions within bodies composed of representatives of states
- If an organisation has procedures which involve unanimity = intergovernmental - If an organisation has procedures which involve qualified majorities = supranational
Composition of bodies adopting binding laws
- If an organisation is made up of bodies composed by representative of states pursuing state interests = intergovernmental - If an organisation is made up of bodies composed of independent members = supranational
Effect of law adopted by the organisation
- If legislation has to be transposed into national law = intergovernmental - If law is directly applicable = supranational
What characterises a supranational organisation?
- States have less control over decisions and give up their sovereignty to be part of the organisation - It is a body independent of states - Organisations of this kind were introduced to counteract the nationalist ideals present in 20th century - They are seen to be more efficient than intergovernmental organisations
What characterises intergovernmental organisations?
- They are dependent on states to function - They aren't very efficient as requires states co-operation to do anything
What are the indicators of an organisation being either supranational or intergovernmental?
A) Composition of bodies adopting binding laws B) Procedure for taking decisions within bodies composed of representatives of states C) Effect of law adopted by the organisation
Is the Eu more supranational or intergovernmental?
Consider the features of each institution - how many are there which fall into each category? (Quantitative analysis) Look at the relative importance of each institution - Do they take minor or important decisions? (Qualitative analysis)
Is the European Council intergovernmental or supranational?
Most intergovernmental institution of them all Only representatives of States sit here and each of them can veto the adoption of a decision by the European Council It's at the top of the EU Institutional Architecture, taking the most fundamental decisions for the EU so is intergovernmental
Is the European Commission an intergovernmental or supranational body?
Most supranational next to Court of Justice Has no ties with member states and none of the member states interests are represented Work as civil servants and are paid by the EU
Is the European Court of Justice a supranational or intergovernmental organisation?
No ties with member states No representatives of member states sitting in the court More active in developing Eu law and have developed a supranational character from their philosophy and how they're structured
Is the Council of Ministers a supranational or intergovernmental organisation?
The qualified majority adds a supranational element However the Council is made up of state representatives When the Council acts within the federal principles and upholds the representation of states when it acts as an intergovernmental organisation whereas when it upholds democratic principles and protects citizens, it's more supranational