EU Institutions, Policies, and Single Market Dynamics

EU Institutions and Key Concepts

Commission (Jean-Claude Juncker): Key issues include conferral, subsidiarity, and proportionality, as well as policy proposals (right of initiative). The right to propose new laws requires support from 25% of Member States, subject to the Court of Justice of the EU. White papers are used for public debate. The Spitzenkandidat process is also significant.

Regulation harmonizes data protection legislation.

Council of the European Union

The Council represents the governments of the Member States, comprising 28 national ministers. Decisions are often made by qualified majority voting (55% qualified majority), with at least four countries needed to block decisions. Some decisions require unanimity, reflecting state sovereignty. The Council defends the interests of the Member States. COREPER (Committee of Permanent Representatives) plays a crucial role. The Council holds legislative power, manages the Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP), and has budgetary power.

European Parliament

The Parliament represents EU citizens. MEPs are the representatives of the Union's citizens.

EU Competences

Exclusive competences: These include the single market and customs union.

Shared competences: These include the internal market, public health, social policy, environment, and freedom, security, and justice.

Pooling sovereignty involves strengthening resources.

Internal Policies: The Single Market

The Single Market ensures freedom of movement for goods, labor, services, and capital. It eliminates tariffs on imports/exports and quantitative limitations. All members adhere to the same regulations, meaning trade with one member allows trade with all. Norway, Liechtenstein, and Iceland are non-EU members but participate in the single market. The goal is to eliminate protective barriers and reduce state intervention, fostering economic interdependence.

Internal Market and Customs Unions

The Internal Market includes a Bilateral Customs Union with an external tariff for third parties. EFTA (Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein) forms the European Economic Area.

The principle of mutual recognition applies to both harmonized and non-harmonized sectors. Non-discrimination based on national origin is enforced, with justified prohibitions.

Exceptions to Free Movement

Exceptions to free movement include considerations for public health, security, and policy.

FMS/c: This includes the right of establishment, free provision of services, and the Bolkestein Directive.

EU Infrastructure

EU infrastructure aims to make the single market possible by liberalizing sectors and expanding. The main purpose is to improve transport by removing bottlenecks, building missing cross-border connections, and promoting multimodal integration. The TEN-T program (HUBS connectivity) includes 9 corridors.

External Policies: Trade

Trade policy affects consumer choice, prices, quality, safety, and standards. The Union speaks with one voice through a two-tier delegation (Member States to EU level, Council to Commission).

Trade Agreements

Mixed and pure trade agreements may or may not be ratified by Member States and serve as a political tool.

Types of Trade Agreements with Third Parties

The principle of the most favored nation (WTO) can create a domino effect. Exceptions include preferential trade agreements from rich nations to poor countries. Independent nations may form trade agreements to create regional integration processes (NAFTA, Mercosur).

Bilateral and Preferential Agreements

Bilateral and preferential agreements include GSP (General Scheme of Preferences), GSP+ (with standards conditions), and EBA (Everything But Arms).