Is this the European Union
Is this the European Union ? ?
Or this?
Or this?
What about this?
What about this?
How many countries are there How many countries are there
in the European Union?
in the European 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 countries 27 countries
Member states of the European Union
Candidate countries
Founding fathers Founding fathers
New 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 symbols The EU symbols
The European flag
The European anthem
"Ode to Joy"
Europe Day, 9 May The motto: United in diversity
A distant dream?
A distant dream?
Before becoming a real political objective, the Before becoming a real political objective, the
idea of uniting Europe was just a dream in the idea of uniting Europe was just a dream in the
minds of philosophers and visionaries.
minds of philosophers and visionaries.
Victor Hugo, for example, imagined a peaceful Victor Hugo, for example, imagined a peaceful
‘United States of Europe’ inspired by humanistic
‘United States of Europe’ inspired by humanistic ideals.
ideals.
The dream was shattered by the terrible wars The dream was shattered by the terrible wars
that ravaged the continent during the first half that ravaged the continent during the first half
of the 20th century of the 20th century
Hope Hope
However, 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 rivalry determined to put an end to international hatred and rivalry
in Europe and create the conditions for lasting peace.
in Europe and create the conditions for lasting peace.
Between 1945 and 1950, a handful of courageous statesmen Between 1945 and 1950, a handful of courageous statesmen
including Robert Schuman, Konrad Adenauer, Alcide de including Robert Schuman, Konrad Adenauer, Alcide de
Gasperi and Winston Churchill set about persuading their Gasperi and Winston Churchill set about persuading their
peoples to enter a new era.
peoples to enter a new era.
New structures would be created in western Europe, based on New structures would be created in western Europe, based on
shared interests and founded upon treaties guaranteeing the shared interests and founded upon treaties guaranteeing the
rule of law and equality between all countries rule of law and equality between all countries
23 official languages
23 official languages
Eight enlargements Eight enlargements
1952 1973 1981 1986
1990 1995 2004 2007
The treaties – basis for democratic The treaties – basis for democratic
cooperation built on law cooperation built on law
1952
The European Steel and Coal Community
1958
The treaties of Rome:
The European Economic Community
The European Atomic Energy Community
(EURATOM)
1987
The European Single Act: the
Single Market
1993 Treaty of European Union
– Maastricht 1999
Treaty of Amsterdam 2003
Treaty of Nice 2007
Treaty of Lisbon (signed)
European Coal and Steel European Coal and Steel
Community (ECSC) Community (ECSC)
On 9 May 1950, the Schuman Declaration proposed the On 9 May 1950, the Schuman Declaration proposed the
establishment of a
establishment of a European Coal and Steel European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC)
Community (ECSC), which became reality with the , which became reality with the Treaty of Paris of 18 April 1951.
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 Rome Treaty of Rome
The Six then decided, on 25 March 1957 with the The Six then decided, on 25 March 1957 with the
Treaty of Rome
Treaty of Rome, to build a , to build a European Economic European Economic Community (EEC)
Community (EEC) based on a wider common market based on a wider common market covering a whole range of goods and services.
covering a whole range of goods 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 also policies, notably on trade and agriculture, were also
put in place during the 1960s.
put in place during the 1960s.
1973 1973
So successful was this venture that Denmark, Ireland So successful was this venture that Denmark, Ireland
and the United Kingdom decided to join the and the United Kingdom decided to join the
Community.
Community.
This first enlargement, from six to nine members, took This first enlargement, from six to nine members, took
place in 1973.
place in 1973.
At the same time,
At the same time, new social and environmental new social and environmental policies
policies were implemented, and the European were implemented, and the European
Regional Development Fund (ERDF) was established in Regional Development Fund (ERDF) was established in
1975 1975
First elections to the European First elections to the European
Parliament Parliament
June 1979 saw a decisive step forward for the June 1979 saw a decisive step forward for the
European Community, with the
European Community, with the first elections first elections to the European Parliament
to the European Parliament by direct by direct universal suffrage.
universal suffrage.
These elections are held every five years.
These elections are held every five years.
Greece then Spain and Portugal Greece then Spain and Portugal
In 1981,
In 1981, GreeceGreece joined the Community, followed joined the Community, followed by by Spain and PortugalSpain and Portugal in 1986. in 1986.
This strengthened the Community’s presence in This strengthened the Community’s presence in
southern Europe and made it all the more southern Europe and made it all the more
urgent to expand its regional aid programmes urgent to expand its regional aid programmes
European
European single market single market
The worldwide economic recession in the early 1980s The worldwide economic recession in the early 1980s
brought with it a wave of ‘euro-pessimism’.
brought with it a wave of ‘euro-pessimism’.
However, hope sprang anew in 1985 when the European However, hope sprang anew in 1985 when the European
Commission, under its President Jacques Delors, Commission, under its President Jacques Delors,
published a White Paper setting out a timetable for published a White Paper setting out a timetable for
completing the European
completing the European single marketsingle market by 1 January by 1 January 1993.
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 and European Act, which was signed in February 1986 and
came into force on 1 July 1987.
came into force on 1 July 1987.
The Fall of the Berlin Wall The Fall of the Berlin Wall
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 October This led to the unification of Germany in October
1990 and the coming of democracy to the 1990 and the coming of democracy to the
countries of central and eastern Europe as they countries of central and eastern Europe as they
broke away from Soviet control.
broke away from Soviet control.
The Soviet Union itself ceased to exist in The Soviet Union itself ceased to exist in
December 1991.
December 1991.
Treaty on European Union Treaty on European Union
At the same time, the member states were negotiating At the same time, the member states were negotiating
the new
the new Treaty on European UnionTreaty on European Union, which was , which was adopted by the European Council, composed of
adopted by the European Council, composed of
presidents and/or prime ministers, at Maastricht in presidents and/or prime ministers, at Maastricht in
December 1991.
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 to By adding areas of intergovernmental cooperation to
existing integrated Community structures, the Treaty existing integrated Community structures, the Treaty
created the European Union (EU).
created the European Union (EU).
1995 1995
This new European dynamism and the This new European dynamism and the
continent’s changing geopolitical situation continent’s changing geopolitical situation
led three more countries —
led three more countries — Austria, Austria, Finland and Sweden
Finland and Sweden — to join the EU — to join the EU on 1 January 1995.
on 1 January 1995.
single currency single currency
By then, the EU was on course for its most spectacular By then, the EU was on course for its most spectacular
achievement yet, creating a
achievement yet, creating a single currency.single 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 euro issued three years later in the 12 countries of the euro
area (also commonly referred to as the euro zone).
area (also commonly referred to as the euro 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 strategy Lisbon strategy
In March 2000, the EU adopted the
In March 2000, the EU adopted the ‘Lisbon strategy’‘Lisbon strategy’
for modernising the European economy and enabling for modernising the European economy and enabling
it to compete on the world market with other major it to compete on the world market with other major
players such as the United States and the newly players such as the United States and the newly
industrialised countries.
industrialised countries.
The Lisbon strategy involves encouraging innovation and The Lisbon strategy involves encouraging innovation and
business investment and adapting Europe’s education business investment and adapting Europe’s education systems to meet the needs of the information society systems to meet the needs of 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 Europe healing the division of Europe
Fall of Berlin Wall – end of Communism
EU 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
Candidates
Croatia, Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Turkey
© Reuders
enlargement on an unprecedented enlargement on an unprecedented
scale scale . .
Scarcely had the European Union grown to 15 members Scarcely had the European Union grown to 15 members
when preparations began for a new
when preparations began for a new enlargement on enlargement on an unprecedented scale
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 and had been part of the Soviet Union (Estonia, Latvia and
Lithuania), one of the republics of former Yugoslavia Lithuania), one of the republics of former Yugoslavia (Slovenia) and two Mediterranean countries (Cyprus (Slovenia) and two Mediterranean countries (Cyprus
and Malta) began knocking at the EU’s door.
and Malta) began knocking at the EU’s door.
Welcome Welcome
The EU welcomed this chance to help stabilise The EU welcomed this chance to help stabilise
the European continent and to extend the the European continent and to extend the
benefits of European integration to these young benefits of European integration to these young
democracies.
democracies.
Negotiations on future membership opened in Negotiations on future membership opened in
December 1997.
December 1997.
The EU enlargement to 25 countries took place The EU enlargement to 25 countries took place on 1 May 2004 when 10 of the 12 candidates on 1 May 2004 when 10 of the 12 candidates
joined.
joined.
Bulgaria and Romania followed on 1 January Bulgaria and Romania followed on 1 January
2007.
2007.
EU population in the world EU 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 to The area of the EU compared to
the rest of the world 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 compared to How rich is the EU compared to
the rest of the world?
the rest of the 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 spread GDP per inhabitant: the spread
of wealth of wealth
GDP per inhabitants in Purchasing Power Standards, 2007 Index where the average of the 27 EU-countries is 100
280
144
131 129 127
123 121 118 117113 113
104 102 100
94 89 87
79 77 75
67 66 63
58 56 53
38 37
Luxembourg Ireland Netherlands Austria Denmark Belgium Sweden U K Finland Germany France Italy Spain EU-27 Cyprus Greece Slovenia Czech Republic Malta Portugal Estonia Hungary Slovakia Lithuania Latvia Poland Romania Bulgaria
How is the EU’s money spent?
How is the EU’s money 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, research
45%
The EU as a global player:
including development aid 6%
Natural resources:
agriculture, environment
43%
Climate change – a global Climate change – a global
challenge challenge
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, solar, hydro raise the share of renewable energy to 20% by 2020 (wind, 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 parts of the Globalisation: European economy faces competition from other parts of the world
world
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 strategy for:
European leaders have therefore agreed on a joint 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 society knowledge 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 objective for 2010
China Japan United States
Enlargement and Enlargement and
neighbourhood policy neighbourhood policy
• The European Union is open to any European country that The European Union is open to any European country that fulfils the democratic, political and economic criteria for fulfils the democratic, political and economic criteria for
membership.
membership.
• Following several enlargements, the EU has increased from six Following several enlargements, the EU has increased from six to 27 members. Several other countries are candidates to join.
to 27 members. Several other countries are candidates to join.
• Each treaty admitting a new member requires the unanimous Each treaty admitting a new member requires the unanimous approval of all member states. In addition, in advance of each approval of all member states. In addition, in advance of each new enlargement, the EU will assess its capacity to absorb the new enlargement, the EU will assess its capacity to absorb the
new member(s) and the ability of its institutions to continue new member(s) and the ability of its institutions to continue
to function properly.
to function properly.
• The successive enlargements have strengthened democracy, The successive enlargements have strengthened democracy, made Europe more secure and increased its potential for
made Europe more secure and increased its potential for trade and economic growth.
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, environment 2007-2013: 347 billion euro invested for infrastructure, business, environment and training of workers for less well-off regions or citizens.
and training of workers for less well-off regions or citizens.
Regional fundRegional fund
Social fundSocial fund
Cohesion fundCohesion fund
Convergence 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 policies Solidarity policies
The main purpose of the solidarity policies is to support The main purpose of the solidarity policies is to support
the completion of the single market, and to correct the completion of the single market, and to correct any imbalances by means of structural measures to any imbalances by means of structural measures to
help regions lagging behind or industrial sectors help regions lagging behind or industrial sectors
encountering difficulties.
encountering difficulties.
The need for solidarity between EU countries and The need for solidarity between EU countries and
between regions became even more acute following between regions became even more acute following the recent entry of 12 newcomers with incomes well the recent entry of 12 newcomers with incomes well
below the EU average.
below the EU average.
The EU must also play its part in helping to restructure The EU must also play its part in helping to restructure
sectors of the economy which have been badly sectors of the economy which have been badly
affected by fast-growing international competition affected by fast-growing international competition
Regional aid Regional aid
The EU’s regional policy is based on transfers of The EU’s regional policy is based on transfers of
funds from rich to poor countries.
funds from rich to poor countries.
The money is used to boost development in The money is used to boost development in
regions lagging behind, to rejuvenate industrial regions lagging behind, to rejuvenate industrial
regions in decline, to help young people and regions in decline, to help young people and
the long-term unemployed find work, to the long-term unemployed find work, to
modernise farming and to help less-favoured modernise farming and to help less-favoured
rural areas.
rural areas.
The euro – a single currency for The euro – a single currency for
Europeans Europeans
EU countries using the euro EU 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 European The euro is the single currency of the European Union. Twelve of the then 15 countries adopted Union. Twelve of the then 15 countries adoptedit for non-cash transactions from 1999 and for it for non-cash transactions from 1999 and for
all payments in 2002 when euro notes and all payments in 2002 when euro notes and
coins were issued.
coins were 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 thismonetary union.
monetary union.
•
The new member countries are getting ready to The new member countries are getting ready to enter the euro area as soon as they fulfil theenter the euro area as soon as they fulfil the necessary criteria.
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 theEuropean Central Bank, the member states are European Central Bank, the member states are
committed to higher growth and economic committed to higher growth and economic
convergence.
convergence.
The single market The single market
•
The single market is one of the European The single market is one of the European Union’s greatest achievements. Restrictions Union’s greatest achievements. Restrictionsbetween member countries on trade and free between member countries on trade and free
competition have gradually been eliminated, competition have gradually been eliminated,
with the result that standards of living have with the result that standards of living have
increased.
increased.
•
The single market has not yet become a single The single market has not yet become a single economic area. Some sectors of the economy economic area. Some sectors of the economy(public services) are still subject to national (public services) are still subject to national
laws.
laws.
•
The individual EU countries still largely have the The individual EU countries still largely have the responsibility for taxation and social welfare.responsibility for taxation and social welfare.
•
The single market is supported by a number of The single market is supported by a number of related policies put in place by the EU over the related policies put in place by the EU over theyears. They help ensure that market years. They help ensure that market
liberalisation benefits as many businesses and liberalisation benefits as many businesses and
consumers as possible.
consumers as possible.
The single market: freedom of The single market: freedom of
choice choice
Since 1993:
•
2.5 million new jobs•
prices of phone calls and airfares halvedFour freedoms of movement:
•
goods•
services•
people•
capitalA citizens’ Europe A citizens’ Europe
•
Thanks to the European Union, citizens of Thanks to the European Union, citizens of member countries can travel, live and work member countries can travel, live and workanywhere in Europe.
anywhere in Europe.
•
In daily life, the EU encourages and funds In daily life, the EU encourages and fundsprogrammes to bring citizens closer together, programmes to bring citizens closer together,
particularly in the fields of education and particularly in the fields of education and
culture.
culture.
•
A feeling of belonging to the European Union A feeling of belonging to the European Union will develop only gradually, through its tangible will develop only gradually, through its tangibleachievements and successes.
achievements and successes.
•
Some symbols that represent a shared Some symbols that represent a sharedEuropean identity already exist. The most European identity already exist. The most
prominent is the single currency, but there are prominent is the single currency, but there are
also the EU flag and anthem.
also the EU flag and anthem.
Travelling, living and working Travelling, living and working
in Europe in Europe
• The first right of a European citizen is the right to The first right of a European citizen is the right to travel, work and live anywhere in the Union. The travel, work and live anywhere in the Union. The
Treaty of Maastricht enshrined this right in its chapter Treaty of Maastricht enshrined this right in its chapter
on citizenship.
on citizenship.
• The EU has passed a directive establishing a system of The EU has passed a directive establishing a system of mutual recognition of higher education qualifications.
mutual recognition of higher education qualifications.
This directive applies to all university courses lasting This directive applies to all university courses lasting three years or more and is based on the principle of three years or more and is based on the principle of
mutual confidence in the quality of national education mutual confidence in the quality of national education
and training systems.
and training systems.
Free to move
“ “ Schengen”: Schengen”:
•No police or customs checks at No police or customs checks at
borders between most EU countries borders between most EU countries
•Controls strengthened at EU Controls strengthened at EU external borders
external borders
•More cooperation between police More cooperation between police from different EU countries
from different EU countries
•You can buy and bring back any You can buy and bring back any goods for personal use when you goods for personal use when you
travel between EU countries travel between EU countries
© Corbis
Going abroad to learn
Over two million young people have studied or pursued Over two million young people have studied or pursued
personal development in other European countries personal development in other European countries
with support from EU-programmes:
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
environment environment
Pollution knows no borders – joint action needed Pollution 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)
© Van Parys Media
An area of freedom, security An area of freedom, security
and justice and justice
Charter of Fundamental Rights Charter of Fundamental Rights
Joint fight against terrorism Joint fight against terrorism
Police and law-enforcers from Police and law-enforcers from different countries cooperate
different countries cooperate
Coordinated asylum and Coordinated asylum and immigration policies
immigration policies
Civil law cooperation Civil law cooperation
© European Union Police Mission
The EU: an exporter of peace The EU: an exporter of peace
and prosperity and prosperity
World trade rules World trade rules
Common foreign Common foreign and security policy and security policy
Development Development assistance and assistance and
humanitarian aid humanitarian aid
EU runs the peacekeeping operations and the
rebuilding of society in war-torn countries like
Bosnia-Herzegovina.
Freedom, security and justice Freedom, security and justice
• The opening of internal borders between EU member The opening of internal borders between EU member states is a very tangible benefit for ordinary people, states is a very tangible benefit for ordinary people,
allowing them to travel freely without being subject to allowing them to travel freely without being subject to
border controls.
border controls.
• However, this freedom of internal movement must go However, this freedom of internal movement must go hand in hand with increased controls at the EU’s
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 and The EU countries cooperate in the area of policing and justice so as to make Europe safer and more secure.
justice so as to make Europe safer and more secure.
How does the EU work?
How does the EU work?
•
The Council of the European Union, which The Council of the European Union, whichrepresents the member states, is the EU’s main represents the member states, is the EU’s main
decision-taking body.
decision-taking body.
•
When it meets at Heads of State or When it meets at Heads of State orGovernment level, it becomes the European Government level, it becomes the European
Council whose role is to provide the EU with Council whose role is to provide the EU with
political impetus on key issues.
political impetus on key issues.
•
The European Parliament, which The European Parliament, whichrepresents the people, shares legislative represents the people, shares legislative
and budgetary power with the Council of and budgetary power with the Council of
the European Union.
the European Union.
•
The European Commission, which The European Commission, whichrepresents the common interest of the EU, represents the common interest of the EU,
is the main executive body.
is the main executive body.
•
It has the right to propose legislation and It has the right to propose legislation and ensures that EU policies are properlyensures that EU policies are properly implemented.
implemented.
Three key players Three key players
The European Parliament - voice of the people
Hans-Gert Pöttering, President of the European Parliament
The council of Ministers
- voice of the Member States
Javier 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 interest José Manuel Barroso, President of the European Commission
Three pillars Three 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 Parliament Parliament
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 Agencies European Central Bank
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 triangle The decision-making 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 does It is, in fact, a new type of structure that does
not fall into any traditional legal category.
not fall into any traditional legal category.
Its political system is historically unique and has Its political system is historically unique and has
been constantly evolving over more than 50 been constantly evolving over more than 50
years.
years.
The Treaties (known as ‘primary’ legislation), are The Treaties (known as ‘primary’ legislation), are
the basis for a large body of ‘secondary’
the basis for a large body of ‘secondary’
legislation which has a direct impact on the legislation which has a direct impact on the
daily lives of EU citizens.
daily lives of EU citizens.
The secondary legislation consists mainly of The secondary legislation consists mainly of
regulations, directives and recommendations regulations, directives and recommendations
adopted by the EU institutions.
adopted by the EU institutions.
These laws, along with EU policies in general, are These laws, along with EU policies in general, are the result of decisions taken by the institutional the result of decisions taken by the institutional
triangle made up of the Council (representing triangle made up of the Council (representing
national governments), the European national governments), the European
Parliament (representing the people) and the Parliament (representing the people) and the
European Commission (a body independent of European Commission (a body independent of
EU governments that upholds the collective EU governments that upholds the collective
European interest).
European interest).
The Council of the European Union The Council of the European Union
and the European Council and the European Council
• The Council of the European Union (also known as the The Council of the European Union (also known as the Council of Ministers) is the EU’s main decision-making Council of Ministers) is the EU’s main decision-making
body.
body.
• The EU member states take it in turns to hold the The EU member states take it in turns to hold the Council Presidency for a six-month period.
Council Presidency for a six-month period.
• Every Council meeting is attended by one minister Every Council meeting is attended by one minister from each EU country.
from each EU country.
• Which ministers attend a meeting depends on which Which ministers attend a meeting depends on which topic is on the agenda: foreign affairs, agriculture, topic is on the agenda: foreign affairs, agriculture,
industry, transport, the environment, etc.
industry, transport, the environment, etc.
• The Council has legislative power, which it shares with The Council has legislative power, which it shares with the European Parliament under the ‘co-decision
the European Parliament under the ‘co-decision procedure’.
procedure’.
• In addition to this, the Council and the Parliament In addition to this, the Council and the Parliament
share equal responsibility for adopting the EU budget.
share equal responsibility for adopting the EU budget.
• The Council also concludes international agreements The Council also concludes international agreements that have been negotiated by the Commission.
that have been negotiated by the 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 majorityvote, a ‘qualified majority’ vote or unanimously, vote, a ‘qualified majority’ vote or unanimously,
depending on the subject to be decided.
depending on the subject to be 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 theTreaties, 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 majority In most other cases, qualified majority voting is used.voting is used.
•
This means that a Council decision is This means that a Council decision isadopted if a specified minimum number of adopted if a specified minimum number of
votes are cast in its favour.
votes are cast in its favour.
•
The number of votes allocated to each EU The number of votes allocated to each EU country roughly reflects the size of itscountry roughly reflects the size of its population.
population.
United Kingdom
The European Parliament – The European Parliament –
voice of the people voice of the people
13 24 78
78 14
Italy Ireland Hungary 24 Greece Germany 99 France Finland
Estonia 6 Denmark 14
24 Czech Republic
6 Cyprus
Bulgaria 18
24 Belgium
Austria 18
Decides EU laws and budget together with Council of Ministers
Democratic supervision of all the EU’s work
Total 785
78 19 Sweden
54 Spain
7 Slovenia
14 Slovakia
Romania 35
Portugal 24
54 Poland
Netherlands 27
5 Malta
Luxembourg 6 Lithuania 13
9 Latvia
Number of members elected in each country
The European Parliament The European Parliament
•
The European Parliament is the elected body The European Parliament is the elected body that represents the EU’s citizens.that represents the EU’s citizens.
•
It exercises political supervision over the EU’s It exercises political supervision over the EU’s activities and takes part in the legislativeactivities and takes part in the legislative process.
process.
•
Since 1979, members of the European Since 1979, members of the EuropeanParliament (MEPs) have been directly elected, Parliament (MEPs) have been directly elected,
by universal suffrage, every five years.
by universal suffrage, every five years.
The European political parties The European political parties
Number of seats in the European Parliament per political group (March 2008)
European United Left - Nordic Green Left 41 Socialist Group
215
Greens/European Free Alliance 43
Independence/
Democracy 24
Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe
101 European People’s Party
(Christian Democrats) and European Democrats 288
Union for Europe of the Nations 44
Non-attached members and temporarily empty seats 29
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 1987, introduced by the Single European Act in 1987,
the European Parliament can give its opinion on the European Parliament can give its opinion on
draft directives and regulations proposed by the draft directives and regulations proposed by the
European Commission, which is asked to European Commission, which is asked to
amend its proposals to take account of amend its proposals to take account of
Parliament’s position.
Parliament’s position.
•
Since 1987, there has also been the Since 1987, there has also been the‘assent’ procedure
‘assent’ procedure, under which the , under which the
European Parliament must give its assent European Parliament must give its assent
to international agreements negotiated by to international agreements negotiated by
the Commission and to any proposed the 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-decision ‘co-decision procedure
procedure, which puts the Parliament on an equal footing , which puts the Parliament on an equal footing with the Council when legislating on a whole series of
with the Council when legislating on a whole series of
important issues including the free movement of workers, the important issues including the free movement of workers, the
internal market, education, research, the environment, trans- internal market, education, research, the environment, trans-
European networks, health, culture, consumer protection, etc.
European networks, health, culture, consumer protection, etc.
The European Parliament has the power to throw out proposed The European Parliament has the power to throw out proposed legislation in these fields if an absolute majority of members legislation in these fields if an absolute majority of members
of Parliament vote against the Council’s ‘common position’.
of Parliament vote against the Council’s ‘common position’.
The Treaty has made provision for a conciliation procedure.
The Treaty has made provision for a conciliation procedure.
Council of Ministers – voice of Council of Ministers – voice of
the member states 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