European Union & Spain: Structures, Treaties, Disparities

European State Disparities

Inequalities exist among European states based on various factors:

• Size: The largest state by area is Russia.
• Situation: Almost all European states are maritime (have coastlines).
• Shape: Europe has states with fragmented territories or lack of territorial continuity.
• Population: The most populous state mentioned is Russia, with 143 million inhabitants.
• Wealth: Germany is considered the economic powerhouse of Europe, but Luxembourg is the country with the highest purchasing power per capita.

Key EU Treaties: Rome and Maastricht

What did the Rome and Maastricht treaties establish?

Treaty of Rome: This treaty established the European Economic Community (EEC). These treaties created a common market, an area where products could move freely between member countries without limitations, taxes, or social charges.

Maastricht Treaty: With the signing of the Maastricht Treaty, the European Economic Community was renamed the European Union (EU).

Homogeneity vs. Differences in the EU

Is the EU a homogeneous space, or are there differences? Yes, there are significant differences and contrasts between member countries. Some member states are among the world's most developed nations, while others are less so.

Core EU Institutions

What are the main EU institutions?

• European Parliament: Represents the citizens of the EU and is directly elected by them.
• Council of the European Union: Represents the governments of the Member States.
• European Commission: Defends the interests of the Union as a whole.
• Court of Justice: Ensures compliance with European legislation.
• Court of Auditors: Audits the financing of the Union's activities.

Mentioned European Countries

The following countries were listed in the context of the European Union: Spain, Portugal, France, UK, Ireland, Italy, Germany, Iceland, Czech Republic, Poland, Norway, Finland, Denmark, Turkey, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Russia, Ukraine, Latvia, Romania, Slovakia, Lithuania, Macedonia, Greece, Bulgaria, Estonia.

Spain: Social and Democratic State of Law

Why is Spain considered a social and democratic state under the rule of law? Because it involves public participation to achieve a more just society (social), citizens participate in governance (democratic), and the law applies equally to all Spaniards and authorities, while also recognizing fundamental rights for citizens (rule of law).

Main Spanish Institutions and Functions

What are the main institutions of Spain and what do they do?

• Crown: The Head of State is the King, reflecting Spain's political form as a parliamentary monarchy.
• Cortes Generales (Parliament): Represents the Spanish people and consists of two chambers (Congress of Deputies and Senate). They exercise legislative power.
• Government: Exercises executive power and directs domestic and foreign policy, civil and military administration, and national defense, all in accordance with the Constitution and laws.
• Judiciary: Responsible for administering justice and enforcing laws, composed of independent judges and magistrates.

Spain's Territorial Structure

How is Spain territorially organized? Spain is organized into municipalities, provinces, and autonomous communities and cities.

Regional Disparities Within Spain

Regional disparities in Spain are explained by:

• Size/Structure: Spain comprises seventeen autonomous communities; some are uniprovincial (consist of a single province), while others are pluriprovincial (consist of multiple provinces).
• Population: Andalusia is the most populated region, with about 8 million inhabitants.
• Wealth: Madrid, Navarra, Basque Country, and Catalonia are regions where the population generally enjoys higher average incomes.

Statute of Autonomy: Canary Islands Example

What is a Statute of Autonomy? It is the fundamental institutional law of a Spanish autonomous community, recognized by the Spanish Constitution of 1978.

When was the Canary Islands' Statute adopted? It was approved in 1982.

What does it establish?

• The official name of the community and its territorial boundaries.
• Recognizes the Canary Islands as a 'nationality' within the Spanish state.
• Defines the powers assumed by the Canarian Autonomous Community.
• Establishes shared regional capital status between Santa Cruz de Tenerife and Las Palmas de Gran Canaria.
• Describes the various regional institutions and establishes their locations.

Canary Islands Institutions

What are the main institutions of the Canary Islands? The Parliament and the Government.

• Legislative power resides in the Parliament of the Canary Islands.
• Executive power resides in the Government of the Canary Islands.
• Judicial power is exercised through the High Court of Justice of the Canary Islands (part of the national judiciary).

Territorial Organization of the Canary Islands

How are the Canary Islands territorially organized? The archipelago is organized into two provinces: Santa Cruz de Tenerife and Las Palmas. However, the Statute of Autonomy also establishes the island as a distinct territorial entity within the autonomous community. Each island has an island council (Cabildo), which is the body responsible for island-specific government and administration.