UGC-NTA NET Political Science – European Union Study Notes

The European Union (EU) is a political and economic union of member states located primarily in Europe. Established by the Maastricht Treaty in 1992, the EU aims to encourage economic and political integration among its members.

Introduction to the European Union

The EU has evolved from earlier organisations. The European Economic Community (EEC) was created in 1957. The European Atomic Energy Community (EURATOM) was established at the same time. The Maastricht Treaty marked milestone, transforming the EEC into the EU. The EU’s primary goal is to promote unity among its members. It seeks to create a single market that allows for the free movement of goods, services, capital, and people. This integration helps to enhance economic stability and growth across member states.

Membership

As of 2024, the EU comprises 27 member countries. Key members include:

• Germany
• France
• Italy
• Spain
• Poland
• Netherlands

Notably, the United Kingdom left the EU in 2020, following a referendum. Other notable non-members include Norway and Switzerland, which maintain various agreements with the EU.

Institutions of the EU

The EU operates through several key institutions:

• European Commission: The executive body that proposes legislation and ensures laws are implemented.
• European Parliament: An elected body that represents EU citizens and shares legislative power with the Council.
• Council of the European Union: Represents member states and negotiates legislation.
• European Council: Comprises heads of state or government, setting the overall political direction.
• Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU): Ensures uniform interpretation and application of EU law.

These institutions work collaboratively to create and enforce EU policies.

Key Policies and Areas of Cooperation

The EU has developed several key policies:

• Single Market: Facilitates the free movement of goods, services, capital, and people.
• Common Agricultural Policy (CAP): Supports farmers and promotes sustainable agricultural practices.
• Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP): Aims for a unified foreign policy among member states.
• Schengen Area: Allows passport-free travel across many EU countries.
• Eurozone: An economic and monetary union using the euro as a common currency, adopted by 19 of the 27 members.

These policies strengthen cooperation and integration among member states.

Legislative Process

The EU’s legislative process is primarily governed by two procedures:

• Ordinary Legislative Procedure: Involves co-decision between the European Parliament and the Council.
• Special Legislative Procedures: Varying roles for Parliament and Council depending on the policy area.

This structure ensures that both institutions have a say in the legislative process.

Budget and Funding

The EU’s budget is outlined in the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF). This long-term budget plan allocates resources for various programmes and initiatives. Funding sources include:

• Member contributions
• Customs duties
• Fines imposed on companies for breaking EU laws

The budget supports various EU policies and projects.

Enlargement and Neighborhood Policy

The EU has a process for admitting new member states. The last major enlargement occurred in 2013 when Croatia joined. The European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP) aims to encourage stability and prosperity in neighbouring countries. It encourages political and economic cooperation to ensure regional stability.

Challenges and Criticisms

The European Union faces diverse challenges, including economic disparities among member states, migration management, and the rise of populism and Euroscepticism. Climate change adaptation, energy security amid geopolitical tensions, and digital transformation complexities add to the strain. Additionally, fostering unity post-Brexit and addressing global competitiveness remain critical for the EU’s stability.

Global Role and Relations

The EU is a major global actor in various domains. It plays role in:

• Trade
• Climate change
• Human rights

The EU maintains relations with other global powers, including the USA, China, and Russia. It also engages with developing countries to promote mutual interests. Participation in international organisations, such as the UN, WTO, and NATO, enhances the EU’s global influence.

Future Prospects

The future of the EU involves discussions on several key topics:

• Further integration among member states
• Defence cooperation
• Digital transformation

Ongoing debates focus on the EU’s role in global governance and sustainability. These discussions will shape the EU’s future trajectory.

Important Treaties

Several treaties have shaped the EU’s development:

• Treaty of Rome (1957): Established the EEC.
• Single European Act (1986): Laid the groundwork for the single market.
• Maastricht Treaty (1992): Formed the EU and introduced the euro.
• Lisbon Treaty (2009): Reformed the EU structure and decision-making processes.

These treaties are foundational to the EU’s legal and institutional framework.