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Political Systems of the European Union - Coggle Diagram
Political Systems of the European Union
Institutions
European Parliament
Represents the citizens of EU countries and is directly elected by them
Takes the decisions of European laws jointly with the council of the European Union
Approves the EU budget
Runs a network of liaison offices in EU capitals (London, Edinburgh, Washington DC)
European Council
The heads of state or government of the EU countries
Defines the general political direction and priorities of the EU
Council is chaired by a president who is elected for a 2.5 year term, renewable once
It does not adopt laws except for possible EU treaty amendments
Council of the European Union
Represents the governments of EU countries
Where national ministers from each government meet to adopt laws and coordinate policies
Ministers meet in different configurations depending on the topic to be discussed
The council of the EU takes decisions on European laws jointly with European Parliament
European Commission
Represents the common interests of the EU and is the EU's main executive body
It uses the 'right of initiative' to put forward proposals for new laws, which are scrutinised and adopted by the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union
Also manages EU policies (except for Common Foreign and Security Policy)
Manages EU's budget and ensures that countries apply EU law correctly
Representation offices act as the commission's voice across the EU
Monitors and analyses public opinion in their host country, provide information about EU's policies and the way the EU works
Facilitates the commission's cooperation with the host member country
Court of Justice of the European Union
Ensures that EU law is followed and that the treaties are correctly interpreted and applied
Reviews the legality of the acts of the EU institutions
Ensures that the EU countries comply with their obligations under the Treaties
Interprets EU law at the request of international courts
European Central Bank
ECB and European System of Central Banks are responsible for keeping prices stable in the euro area
Also responsible for the monetary and exchange rate policy in the Eurozone and supporting EU economic policies
European Court of Auditors
ECA contributes to improving EU financial management
Promotes accountability and transparency
Acts as the independent guardian of the financial interests of EU citizens
Checks that EU funds are correctly accounted for and that they are raised and spent in accordance with the relevant rules and regulations - and deliver value for money
Treaties and Key Dates
Treaty of Lisbon 2007
Purpose:
Replaced the failed European Constitution
.
Key Provisions:
Streamlined Institutions: Created the European Council President and High Representative for Foreign Affairs.
Charter of Fundamental Rights: Became legally binding.
Citizens’ Initiative: Introduced a mechanism for citizens to propose legislation.
Significance: Enhanced democratic accountability and efficiency.
Treaty of Brussels 1948
Purpose:
Encouraged cooperation among European countries
in military, economic, and cultural spheres.
Signatories: Signed by Belgium, France, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom.
Context: Aimed to
defend against potential aggression from Germany or the Soviet Union
after World War II.
Legacy:
Led to the creation of NATO
(North Atlantic Treaty Organization).
Amendments: Later amended to form the Western European Union (WEU).
Schuman Declaration 1950
Purpose: French Foreign Minister Robert Schuman proposed it on May 9, 1950. The key idea was to
create a European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC)
.
Objective: The ECSC aimed to
pool coal and steel production among its members
(initially France, West Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Belgium, and Luxembourg).
Historical Context: After World War II, Europe sought to prevent further conflict. Merging economic interests in coal and steel would make war between historic rivals (France and Germany) “not merely unthinkable, but materially impossible.”
Significance: The ECSC was the
first supranational European institution
, laying the groundwork for what would eventually become the European Union (EU).
Treaties of Rome 1957
Treaty Establishing the European Economic Community (EEC):
Purpose: Created a
common market among member states
.
Signatories: Belgium, France, West Germany (now Germany), Italy, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands.
Key Goals: Facilitated free movement of goods, services, capital, and people within the EEC.
Legacy: Laid the foundation for the modern European Union (EU).
Treaty Establishing the European Atomic Energy Community (Euratom):
Purpose: Focused on
peaceful use of nuclear energy
for research, development, and energy production.
Signatories: Same as the EEC.
Key Goals: Promoted cooperation in nuclear research, safety, and resource sharing.
Legacy: Euratom continues to play a role in nuclear energy regulation.
1961 Bonn Summit
Context: The summit took place in Bonn, West Germany, and involved the Heads of State or Government from the six founding member states of the European Community.
Purpose: At this summit, the leaders tasked an intergovernmental committee, chaired by French ambassador Christian Fouchet, with
proposing ideas related to the political status of a union of European peoples
.
Significance: While the specific outcomes of the 1961 Bonn Summit were not as well-documented as later European summits, it marked a step toward deeper European integration and cooperation.
European Political Cooperation 1969
Context: The EPC emerged in 1970 and lasted until 1993.
Purpose: Developed a
genuine system of cooperation in foreign policy
among EC member states.
Origins: Considered since the early '60s but gained momentum after de Gaulle’s retirement.
Features:
Intergovernmental
, allowed European Commission input, and lacked a Paris-based Secretariat.
Legacy: Influenced discussions on sovereignty and European unity.
Empty Chair Crisis 1965-66
Context: The crisis occurred in 1965 within the context of European integration.
Cause: France objected to proposals related to the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) and the European Commission’s budgetary powers.
French Boycott:
French
President Charles de Gaulle
boycotted European institutions
, leaving a symbolic “empty chair” in the Council of Ministers.
Impact: It
paralyzed the functioning
of the European Economic Community (
EEC
) and highlighted tensions between the Commission and member states.
Legacy: The crisis influenced subsequent discussions on sovereignty, decision-making, and the path toward deeper European unity
Single European Act 1986
Purpose: The SEA aimed to
deepen European integration
and enhance the functioning of the European Communities.
Internal Market: It focused on
creating a single market
by removing barriers to the free movement of goods, services, capital, and people.
Decision-Making: The SEA
introduced new decision-making procedures
, including qualified majority voting in the Council of Ministers and enhanced powers for the European Parliament.
European Political Cooperation: The SEA
formalized European political cooperation
, allowing member states to coordinate foreign policy.
Treaty Changes: It amended the existing treaties, paving the way for further steps toward a more unified and effective European Union.
The Maastricht Treaty 1992-93
Purpose:
Established the European Union (EU).
Key Elements:
Introduced European citizenship and freedom of movement.
Created a
common foreign and security policy
.
Paved the way for the euro and enhanced economic integration.
Set criteria for joining the Eurozone.
Legacy: Shaped the EU’s structure, currency, and foreign policy.
The Amsterdam Treaty 1997-1999
Purpose:
Amended the Maastricht Treaty.
Key Changes:
Strengthened the European Parliament’s role.
Enhanced judicial cooperation.
Introduced provisions on employment, social policy, and environmental protection.
Impact: Furthered EU integration and responsiveness.
The Nice Treaty 2001
Purpose:
Prepared the EU for enlargement
.
Key Reforms:
Institutional Changes:
Adjusted the Council voting system
.
Qualified Majority Voting: Streamlined decision-making.
European Commission Size: Limited the number of Commissioners.
Context: Anticipated the accession of new member states.
Areas of EU Policies
A. Economy, Science, and Quality of Life
The Internal Market
Background: The EU's single market is its greatest achievement, removing customs barriers and allowing free movement of people, goods, services, and capital across Europe
Objectives
Facilitate seamless trade and economic exchange within the EU
Harmonise regulations and standards to create a level playing field
Boost competitiveness and innovation
Consumer Protection and Public Health
Background: Ensuring consumer rights and public health are essential for citizens' wellbeing
Objectives
Safeguard consumer rights, product safety, and fair trading practices
Promote public health through regulations on food safety, pharmaceuticals, and health services
Social and Employment Policy
Background: Social cohesion and inclusive growth are central to the EU's Europe 2020 agenda
Objectives
Enhance social rights, labour conditions, and equal opportunities
Address unemployment, poverty, and social inequalities
Promote work-life balance and social protection
Industrial, Energy and Research Policies
Background: Industry, energy, and research drive economic development and innovation
Objectives
Support industrial competitiveness, technological advancements, and sustainable growth
Promote clean energy, energy efficiency, and climate resilience
Invest in research and development for scientific progress
Environment Policy
Background: Protecting the environment is crucial for quality of life and sustainability
Objectives
Address climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution
Promote circular economy principles and sustainable resource use
Ensure a healthy environment for current and future generations
Economic and Monetary Union, Taxation and Competition Policies
Background: EMU coordinates economic and monetary policies among member states
Objectives
Maintain stability in the Eurozone
Avoid excessive budget deficits
Foster fair competition and prevent monopolies
B. Cohesion, Growth, and Jobs
Regional and Cohesion Policy
Background: The EU's main investment policy, aiming to reduce disparities in development across regions
Objectives
Foster economic growth and job creation
Enhance competitiveness and innovation
Promote sustainable development and protect the environment
The Common Agricultural Policy (CAP)
Background: Ensures a fair standard of living for farmers and availability of reasonably priced products for consumers
Objectives
Support sustainable agricultural practices
Maintain food security and rural development
Ensure stable incomes for farmers
Common Fisheries Policy
Background: Designed to ensure sustainable fisheries and aquaculture
Objectives
Manage fish stocks to prevent overfishing
Guarantee stable jobs and incomes for producers
Use market and financial measures to support sustainable fishing practices
Transport and Tourism Policy
Background: Opemning up transport markets and creating the Trans-European Transport Network are key priorities
Objectives
Improve transport
Enhance sustainability mobility and accessibility
Boost tourism as a vital economic sector
Trans-European Networks in Transport, Energy, and Telecommunications
Background: These networks facilitate cross-border connectivity and efficient communication
Objectives
Culture, Education, and Sport
C. Area of Freedom, Security, and Justice
Asylum Policy
Immigration Policy
Management of External Borders
Judicial Cooperation in Civil Matters
Police Cooperation
Judicial Cooperation in Criminal Matters
Political Systems of the European Union: Revision
Unit I: History and Theory of European Integration and EU Politics
Historical Context
After WWII, European leaders sought to prevent future conflicts by fostering economic cooperation
The Schuman Declaration (1950) proposed the creation of a European Coal and Steel Community, which laid the foundation for further integration
The Treaty of Rome (1957) established the European Economic Community (EEC) and the European Atomic Energy Community (EURATOM)
Theoretical frameworks:
Functionalism: Suggests that integration would occur through functional cooperation in specific policy areas (e.g. trade, agriculture)
Neofunctionalism: Emphasises the 'spillover effect', where cooperation in one area leads to integration in others
The SIngle European Act (SEA) 1986: Aimed to create a single market by eliminating barriers to trade and harmonising regulations
The SEA also introduced the concept of Qualified MAjority Voting (QMV) in the Council of Ministers, enhancing decision-making efficiency
The Maastricht Treaty (1992) transformed the EEC into the EU
Creation of the European Monetary Union and the Euro currency
Establishment of the European Central Bank (ECB)
Introduction of the CFSP
The Amsterdam Treaty (1997) further expanded EU competencies, including social policy and justice cooperation
The Treaty of Nice and the Convention on the Future of Europe
Treaty of Nice (2001): AImed to reform EU institutions to accomodate enlargement
Convention on the Future of Europe (2002-2003): Proposed a new constitutional treaty that became the Treaty of Lisbon
Treaty of Lisbon (2007): Streamlined decision-making, enhanced the role of the European Parliament, and created the position of President of the European Council
Unit II: The Government of the EU
Institutional Structure
European Commission: The EU's executive body responsible for proposing legislation and implementing policies
Each member state appoints a commissioner, collectively forming the commission
The commission acts independently, representing the EU's interests
The President of the Commission leads and coordinates its work
European Council: Composed of member state leaders, it sets overall EU priorities
The meeting palce for heads of state or government from EU member states
Comprised of national leaders, it convenes at least 4 times a year to discuss major issues and provide strategic direction
European Parliament: Elected by EU citizens, it co-legislates with the Council
Approves or amends legislation proposed by the European Commission
Operates through specialised committees that focus on specific policy domains
Court of Justice: Ensures consistent interpretation and application of EU law
Handles cases related to EU treaties, legislation, and disputes between member states and institutions
Court consists of judges from each member state, ensuring impartiality
Council of the European Union: Represents individual ministries of member states
Participates in legislative decision-making, co-legislating with the European Parliament
QMV used for most decisions, ensuring efficiency
Areas of competence: Covers various policy areas, including economic, environmental and social matters
European Central Bank (ECB): Responsible for the monetary policy in the Eurozone
Manages the Euro currency, conducts monetary operations, and ensures price stability
Operates independently from political influence
President of the ECB leads its decision-making body
Decision-Making Processes
Ordinary legislative procedure: Involves the Parliament and the Council jointly adopting laws
Comitology: Delegated acts and implementing acts are adopted by the Commission with input from member states
Unit III: Politics and Policy-Making in the EU
Political Dynamics
Lobbying: Interest groups influence EU decision-making by advocating for specific policies
Role of National Governments: Member states play a crucial role in shaping EU policies
Policy Areas
Agriculture: The Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) supports farmers and ensures food security
Environment: EU policies address climate change, biodiversity, and pollution
Social Policy: Includes labour rights, social protection, and gender equality
Drafting EU law
Before European Commission proposes new initiatives, it assesses their potential economic, social, and environmental impact
The Commission prepares an impact assessment that outlines the advantages and disadvantages of various policy options
Input is gathered from NGOs, national authorities, industry, and expert groups
Individuals, businesses, and organisations can provide feedback through public consultations on the Commission's 'have your say' portal
National parliaments can express reservations if they believe an issue should be dealt with at the national level
Review and Adoption
Once the Commission presents its proposal, both the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union review it and can propose amendments
Typically, the three institutions meet to agree on a complete set of amendments
If the Commission disagrees with any amendments, the Council can only overrule the objection by unanimous decision
If the amendments excessively change the proposal, the Commission has the right to withdraw it
If no common final text is agreed upon, a second reading occurs, during which further amendments can be proposed
The European Parliament can block the proposal if it disagrees with the Council
If agreement is reached, the proposal is adopted into law and published in the EU's Official Journal
Ordinary Legislative Procedure
(Formerly known as co-decision): The main decision-making procedure for adopting EU legislation
Applies to around 85 policy areas
The Parliament and the Council jointly pass laws, ensuring democratic representation and efficient decision-making
Special Legislative Procedures
Consent Procedure: Parliament gives its consent to international agreements or specific legislative acts
Consultation Procedure: The Parliament is consulted on proposals but does not co-legislate
Budgetary Procedure: The Parliament approves the EU budget
Emergency Procedure: Used in exceptional circumstances for urgent matters
Unit IV: Interior Policies
Migration: Addressing migration flows and asylum policies
Manage borders: Strengthen external borders through Frontex (European Border and Coast Guard Agency)
Asylum System: Establish a common European asylum system, ensuring fair and efficient processing of asylum applications
Solidarity: Distribute responsibility for refugees and asylum seekers among member states
Integration: Support successful integration of migrants into host societies
Justice and Security: Cooperation on crime prevention, law enforcement, and judicial matters
European Arrest Warrant: Simplifies extradition procedures among member states
Europol: Enhances cooperation among law enforcement agencies
Counterterrorism Measures: Address threats posed by terrorism
Data Protection: Ensures privacy rights while sharing information across borders
Social Policies
European Social Fund (ESF): Supports employment, education, and social inclusion
Youth Employment Initative: Aims to reduce youth unemployment
Gender Equality: Advocates for equal opportunities and rights
Social Dialogue: Involves employers, workers, and civil society in policy discussions
Health and Environment
Health Cooperation: Enhances cross-border heatlh responses (e.g. during pandemics)
Environmental Protection: Implements policies related to air quality, waste management and biodiversity
Climate Action: Commits to reducing greenhose gas emissions and achieving climate neutrality by 2050
Education and Culture
Erasmus+: Facilitates student mobility, exchanges, and cooperation
Creative Europe: Promotes cultural diversity, arts, and media
Horizon Europe: Funds research and innovation projects
European Heritage Label: Recognises sites of historical significance
Unit V: Foreign Policies - The EU in the World
Preserving Peace and Security
Common Security and Defense Policy (CSDP): EU conducts civilian and military missions to prevent conflicts, stabilise regions, and promote peace
Anti-Piracy Operations: The EU Naval Force patrols the Gulf of Aden and the Horn of Africa to combat piracy
Conflict Prevention: The EU engages in diplomatic efforts to prevent conflicts and mediate disputes
Promoting Cooperation and Democracy
Enlargement Process: The EU encourages democratic reforms in candidate countries
Eastern Partnership: Fosters cooperation with Eastern European Countries
European Neighbourhood Policy: Enhances relations with neighbouring countries
Fighting Poverty and Discrimination
European Development Fund: Supports projects in developing countries
Humanitarian Aid and Civil Protection: Provides emergency relief during crises
Trade Preferences: Grants preferential trade access to developing nations
Trade and Economic Diplomacy
Trade Agreements: The EU negotiates trade deals with other countries and regions
World Trade Organisation (WTO): The EU actively participates in multilateral trade negotiations
Investment and Economic Cooperation: The EU promotes economic ties worldwide
Climate Diplomacy and Sustainable Development
Paris Agreement: The EU committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions
Green Diplomacy: Advocates for sustainable development and environmental protection
Circular Economy: Promotes resource efficiency and waste reduction
Humanitarian Assistance and Crisis Response
Emergency Response Coordination Centre (ERCC): Coordinates disaster relief efforts
Civil Protection Mechanism: Assists member states during natural disasters