Understanding the European Union (EU)

Overview

• Second Largest Democracy: Represents 450 million people.
• Nature: A political and economic union of 27 European countries with common goals and values.
• Entity Type: Not a country or a federation but a supranational organization (exercising powers above national governments).
• Sovereignty: Member states transfer some sovereignty to address issues like trade, security, and social policy collaboratively.

Main Institutions of the EU

1. European Council
2. Council of the European Union
3. European Commission
4. Court of Justice of the European Union
5. European Central Bank
6. Court of Auditors
7. European Parliament

(Note: Separate detailed videos available for each institution.)

Functions of the European Union

1. Economic Integration

• Single Market: Free movement of goods, services, capital, and people.
  • Example: German company selling in France without trade barriers.
• Trade Agreements: Negotiates on behalf of member states (e.g., Japan, Canada, South Korea).

2. Common Policies Development

• Agriculture: Common Agricultural Policy supports farmers and food supply stability.
• Environment and Energy: Common Energy Policy to reduce greenhouse gases and ensure energy security.

3. Protection of Human Rights

• Fundamental Rights: Focus on freedom of expression, privacy, and non-discrimination.
  • Example: General Data Protection Regulation requiring consent for data use.

Governance and Leadership

• Leadership Structure: No single leader, governed by seven institutions sharing power.
• Main Institutions:
  • European Commission
  • European Parliament
  • European Council
• Primary Leader: President of the European Commission (currently Ursula von der Leyen) drives legislation and represents internationally.

Importance of the EU

• Global Influence: Allows Europe to wield collective influence, especially against powers like China, Russia, and the USA.
• Core Idea: Collaborative effort among European countries.