Understanding International Organizations and the European Union

International Organizations and the European Union

International Organizations: These are voluntary associations created by states, with specific objectives related to territory and other goals.

The United Nations

Founded in 1945, the United Nations intervenes in conflicts to promote peace. Its principal objectives include supporting human rights, maintaining peace, and promoting international cooperation.

Main Bodies of the UN:

• Secretariat
• General Assembly
• Security Council

UN Agencies:

• UNICEF
• UNESCO
• FAO
• WHO
• UNHCR
• ILO

State Organization

States are organized into smaller units at three levels: central, regional, and local. Spain, for example, is divided into 17 regions and 2 autonomous cities. Each region is further divided into provinces, and each province into municipalities.

European States

Europe comprises 49 countries, each with its own characteristics. Inequalities exist in:

• Size: Russia is the largest.
• Population: Russia has the largest population.
• Wealth: Germany has the strongest economy.

Regional Differences:

• Western Europe is the most developed region.
• The former Soviet Europe constitutes a large region.

The European Union

The devastation of World War II (1939-1945) highlighted the need for European cooperation. The United States and the Soviet Union emerged as superpowers, surpassing Europe in strength. This led to the creation of a continent-wide organization to consolidate peace and prevent future wars. In 1951, six countries signed the Treaty of Rome, establishing the foundation for what would become the EU.

ECC (Economic European Community)

The ECC adapted to new challenges, leading to the Treaty of Maastricht in 1993. In 2004, the European Constitution formed the basis for the Treaty of Lisbon. Today, the EU focuses on social and political integration among its members.

Key EU Treaties and Developments:

• 1957 - Treaty of Rome: Established the EEC and EURATOM.
• 1993 - Treaty of Maastricht: Transformed the EEC into the EU, focusing on economic and monetary union, political integration, new rights for EU citizens, and new funds and policies for solidarity.
• 2002: Introduction of Euro coins and banknotes.
• 2009 - Treaty of Lisbon: Increased legislative and budgetary authority, restricted areas requiring unanimous decisions, enshrined fundamental rights, and created the positions of President of the European Council and High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy (CFSP).

EU Institutions

The EU has a political and institutional system with institutions representing the interests of the Union. All member states have representation. EU institutions create laws, regulations, directives, and recommendations. The main institutions include the Council, the European Parliament, and the European Commission, which serve as the executive bodies of the EU. The Council's voting power is based on the population of each member state. The President of the European Council and the High Representative serve for 2-year terms, providing stability to the Council.