European Union: Formation, Institutions, and Enlargement

Formation of the European Union

The Maastricht Treaty established the European Union (EU), expanding beyond the purely economic scope of its predecessor, the European Economic Community (EEC). The European Union is a unique legal entity with exclusive economic competencies, which member states are bound to comply with, while other competencies, such as common foreign and defense policies, are shared.

The Union's policies are reflected in its foundational treaties, encompassing key pillars:

• Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP): A unified approach to external relations and security.
• Justice and Home Affairs (JHA): Cooperation on issues like crime, asylum, and immigration.

The Maastricht Treaty also created European citizenship, granting citizens the right to travel and reside freely in EU countries, and the right to vote and be elected in European and municipal elections within the Union.

Key Institutions of the European Union

The EU operates through a set of powerful institutions, each with distinct roles:

The European Parliament

The European Parliament holds significant powers in budget approval and oversight of other EU institutions. Its members (MEPs) are directly elected by citizens every five years, representing member states proportionally to their population. MEPs are grouped by political affiliation and typically meet in Strasbourg, France, and Brussels, Belgium.

The European Commission

As the executive body of the EU, the European Commission functions much like a government. It is appointed every five years and comprises 27 members, one from each EU country. The Commission's primary responsibilities include proposing legislation to the Parliament and the Council, managing the EU budget, enforcing EU law, and representing the EU on the international stage. Its seat is in Brussels.

The Council of the European Union

The Council of the European Union serves as the legislative power, sharing the responsibility of passing laws with the European Parliament. It also signs international agreements and develops the Common Foreign and Security Policy. The presidency of the Council rotates among member states every six months.

Other Important EU Institutions

Beyond the main three, several other vital institutions contribute to the functioning of the EU:

• Court of Justice of the European Union: Ensures EU law is interpreted and applied uniformly.
• European Central Bank (ECB): Manages the euro and frames and implements EU economic and monetary policy.
• European Court of Auditors: Monitors the expenditure of the Commission and other EU bodies.
• European Ombudsman: Investigates complaints about maladministration by EU institutions.

EU Enlargement and Significant Treaties

Accessions to the European Union

The EU has undergone several waves of enlargement, expanding its membership:

• 1995: Austria, Finland, and Sweden joined, forming the "Europe of Fifteen."
• 2004: A major enlargement saw the accession of Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Slovakia, and Slovenia.
• 2007: Bulgaria and Romania became members.

Significant EU Treaties

Key treaties have shaped the EU's development and legal framework:

• Treaty of Amsterdam (1999): Affirmed core principles of freedom, democracy, and respect for human rights.
• Treaty of Nice (2003): Restructured EU institutions in preparation for further enlargement.