Lecture Notes: Understanding the European Union (EU)

Introduction to the EU

• European Union (EU): A political and economic union of 28 European countries.
• Origins:
  • Formed in response to the aftermath of the two world wars.
  • Aimed to prevent conflict through increased economic cooperation.
  • Began as European Economic Community in 1958 by six countries: Belgium, Germany, France, Italy, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands.
  • Transitioned to the European Union in 1993, expanding into security, climate, and foreign relations.

Structure of the EU

• No Single Leader: Responsibilities divided among seven institutions.
• Three Main Institutions:
  1. European Commission:
     • Acts as the executive body.
     • Proposes new laws.
     • Each member state has a commissioner, who should be politically independent.
     • Commissioners manage specific portfolios.
     • Headquarters: Brussels, Belgium.
  2. European Parliament:
     • Located in Brussels and Strasbourg.
     • Holds 751 members (MEPs), reducing to 705 post-Brexit.
     • Direct representation of EU citizens through elections every five years.
     • Votes on laws.
  3. Council of the European Union:
     • Composed of ministers from member states in similar roles (finance, education, defense).
     • Discusses, amends, and adopts laws.
     • Works with the European Parliament for decision-making.

Other Important EU Bodies

• European Council:
  • Hosts heads of states for quarterly summits.
  • Focuses on high-level discussions.
• European Court of Justice (ECJ):
  • Based in Luxembourg.
  • Ensures uniform interpretation and application of EU laws.
• European Court of Auditors:
  • Also in Luxembourg.
  • Oversees community budget and finances.
• European Central Bank:
  • Located in Frankfurt.
  • Governs monetary policy in the Eurozone.

Eurozone vs EU

• Eurozone:
  • Consists of 19 EU member states using the Euro.
  • 9 countries still use their national currencies.

Criticisms and Achievements

• Challenges:
  • Criticized for bureaucracy and complexity.
  • Differences of opinion among member countries.
• Achievements:
  • Successfully avoided war among member states over 60 years.

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