Key Points about EU Institutions

Introduction

• Speakers: Dharma Hudson and John Peterson
• Focus on institutions of the European Union (EU)
• Location: Brussels, EU quarter

1. Understanding the EU through its Institutions

• The EU is a collection of various institutions: intergovernmental, supranational, and transnational.
• Misconception: EU as a monolithic power; reality is diverse and complex.
• Considered one of the most ambitious and powerful international organizations.

2. Supranational Institutions

• EU represents the most ambitious attempt to create supranational institutions.
• European Commission:
  • Key supranational institution.
  • Proposes EU policy and legislation.
  • Headquarters: Berlaymont building.
• Theoretical perspectives:
  • Ernst Haas's neo-functionalism: Commission as a new power center.
  • Stanley Hoffman’s intergovernmentalism: Focus on member states’ power.

3. Intergovernmental Institutions

• National governments maintain control through intergovernmental bodies.
• Council of Ministers:
  • Composed of ministers from member states.
  • Decides on Commission proposals.
  • Criticized for secrecy and lack of transparency.

4. Transnational Politics

• Transnational institutions derive power from non-national sources.
• European Parliament:
  • Originated as the Common Assembly.
  • MEPs directly elected starting 1979.
  • Low voter turnout is a challenge.
  • Co-legislates with the Council of Ministers.

5. European Council's Role

• A powerful intergovernmental body.
• Focuses on crisis management (e.g., Greece’s debt crisis).

6. Growth of EU Institutions

• Significant increase in the number of institutions since the 1990s.
• Shift towards intergovernmental design in new institutions.

7. Expansion of EU Institutions

• Initial 500 staff in European Coal and Steel Community; now 54,000 staff in total.
• Comparatively small to national governments.

8. Reforms in EU Institutions

• Contrary to perceptions of rigidity, EU institutions undergo continuous reform.
• Spitzencandidat System:
  • Introduced by the Lisbon Treaty in 2007.
  • Political groups nominate candidates for Commission president.
  • Jean-Claude Juncker appointed as a result of this system.

9. Crisis in EU Institutions

• Institutions have faced multiple crises, from financial to migration issues.
• Challenges include Brexit and loss of confidence from member states.

10. Importance of EU Institutions

• Institutions from the 1950s coexist with newer ones like the ECB and Frontex.
• They play a pivotal role in addressing Europe’s contemporary challenges.
• The debate continues over the extent of power these institutions should wield.

Conclusion

• EU institutions are crucial in shaping both internal and external EU policies.
• The future of these institutions remains a subject of intense debate and scrutiny.