The European Union: History, Institutions, and Challenges

The Origins of the European Union

After World War II (1939-1945), the United States and the Soviet Union emerged as superpowers, dwarfing the power of European nations. To counterbalance this new world order and foster cooperation, European countries decided to establish a continent-wide organization.

Their objectives were twofold:

• To safeguard peace and prevent future conflicts.
• To collectively compete with the superpowers on the global stage.

Key Milestones in EU Formation

1950: On May 9th, French Foreign Minister Robert Schuman proposed the creation of a united Europe.

1951: Six countries—Germany, Belgium, France, Italy, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands—agreed to pool their coal and steel resources, forming the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC).

1957: The Treaty of Rome established the European Economic Community (EEC) and the European Atomic Energy Community (Euratom).

1973: Denmark, Ireland, and the United Kingdom joined the EEC.

1986: Spain and Portugal became members of the EEC.

1992: The Maastricht Treaty formally established the European Union (EU), replacing the EEC.

2002: The euro currency was introduced in most EU member states.

2004: A European Constitution was drafted, eventually leading to the Treaty of Lisbon in 2009.

The Treaty of Lisbon

The Treaty of Lisbon introduced significant changes, including:

• Increased legislative and budgetary powers for the European Parliament.
• Reduced the scope of unanimous decision-making.
• Established a Charter of Fundamental Rights for all EU citizens.
• Created the positions of President of the European Council and High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy.

The Institutions of the European Union

EU member states delegate some of their sovereignty to independent institutions:

• Each member state maintains permanent representation in Brussels.

1. The Council of the European Union

• The Council is the EU's primary decision-making body.
• It shares executive power with the Commission and legislative power with the Parliament.
• Voting power is distributed based on population.
• The President of the European Council (currently Charles Michel) and the High Representative serve two-year terms.

2. The European Parliament

• The Parliament is the legislative branch of the EU.
• It represents EU citizens and is directly elected every five years.
• With a maximum of 705 members, it is organized into political groups rather than national delegations.
• Its functions include lawmaking, supervision, and budgetary responsibilities.
• The Parliament's headquarters is in Strasbourg, France.

3. The European Commission

• The Commission is the EU's executive arm.
• It comprises 27 Commissioners, one from each member state.
• Its headquarters is in Brussels, Belgium.
• The Commission's functions include:
  1. Representing the EU in international forums.
  2. Acting as the "Guardian of the Treaties" by enforcing regulations and directives.

Specialized Institutions

• The Court of Justice: The judicial branch ensures compliance with EU law.
• The European Central Bank (ECB): Responsible for the euro and EU monetary policy.
• The Court of Auditors: Oversees the EU budget.
• The Committee of the Regions: Represents local and regional governments.
• The European Economic and Social Committee: Composed of various social organizations.

Challenges Facing the European Union

Enlargement

• To join the EU, a state must meet these criteria:
  1. Incorporate and apply EU law into its legal system.
  2. Possess stable institutions that guarantee democracy, the rule of law, human rights, and the protection of minorities.
  3. Have a functioning market economy.
• Candidate countries receive financial assistance to meet these criteria.

A Tight Budget

• The EU operates on an annual budget to achieve its objectives.

The Schengen Area

• The Schengen Area allows for passport-free travel between most EU countries.
• Controls are strengthened at the EU's external borders.
• Cooperation among law enforcement agencies is enhanced within the Schengen Area.

The EU Today

The EU offers numerous benefits to its citizens, including:

• Freedom for Young People: Programs like Erasmus promote educational and cultural exchange.
• Freedom for Employees: Citizens can work in any EU member state.
• Climate Action: The EU is a leader in combating climate change.
• Support for Poorer Regions: EU funds are used to reduce economic disparities.

What is the Erasmus Programme?

The Erasmus Programme is a prominent EU initiative that provides opportunities for students to study and work in other European countries, fostering cultural exchange and personal development.