The European Union: Structure, Evolution, and Key Institutions

European States: Diversity and Characteristics

Europe is divided into 49 countries. Differences between states include:

• Size: Russia is the largest, while micro-states are the smallest.
• Population: Russia also has the largest population.
• Wealth: Germany possesses the most economic power.
• Regional Differences: Western Europe is the most developed zone, while former Soviet Europe (Eastern Europe) is the largest in terms of area.

The European Union: Origins and Purpose

After World War II, the United States and the Soviet Union emerged stronger than other European countries. European countries created a continent-wide organization to consolidate peace, prevent wars, and compete collectively against these superpowers. In 1957, six European countries signed the Treaty of Rome.

Evolution from EEC to EU: Key Treaties

The European Economic Community (EEC) faced new challenges, leading to the Treaty of Maastricht (1993). In 2004, a Constitution was drafted, which eventually led to the Treaty of Lisbon. The EU fosters social and political integration among its members.

Treaty of Rome (1957): Founding Principles

It was created to achieve balanced development in economic activity, make the European economy competitive, and foster a fair society. Its signing led to the creation of the European Economic Community (EEC) and EURATOM.

Treaty of Maastricht (1993): Shaping the EU

Under this treaty, the EEC became the EU, establishing the Economic and Monetary Union (EMU), deepening political integration, and introducing new funds and solidarity policies.

Treaty of Lisbon: Strengthening EU Governance

It increased the legislative and budgetary authority of the European Parliament. It granted more power to national parliaments, established fundamental rights, restricted areas requiring unanimous decisions, and created the President of the European Council and the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy (CFSP).

Understanding European Union Institutions

The EU operates as a political and institutional system with independent institutions that represent the interests of the EU as a whole, while ensuring each member state has representation.

Core EU Institutions and Their Roles

The EU's institutional framework is often referred to as the 'institutional triangle' due to the interplay of its three main bodies:

1. Council of the European Union: Represents the member states. It has a permanent President and works closely with the High Representative for CFSP. As the main decision-making body, it holds executive and legislative power.
   • Functions: Passes laws, approves budgets, signs agreements, and develops the Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP).
   • Headquarters: Brussels.
2. European Commission: The executive body of the EU.
   • Functions: Represents and directs the EU, carries out programs, and administers funds. Each member state has one Commissioner.
   • Headquarters: Brussels.
3. European Parliament: Represents EU citizens.
   • Composition: A maximum of 751 members.
   • Headquarters: Brussels, Luxembourg, and Strasbourg.