European Union (Essay Sample)

Name of the writer: Name of the professor: Course / Subject Code: Dated: European Union (EU) Introduction: The EU is one of several initiatives to unite Europe since World War II. European Union is the union of 27 major countries of Europe based on a single economy, single currency, and other political and economic alliances. It is a multidimensional alliance. It is included in major trade blocs of the world. They want to strengthen economic and pollical corporations in Europe after WWII. They shared the same democratic values and their expansion was very fast in the 21st century. It was created under the Treaty of Maastricht treaty on November 1, 1993, to grow European political and economic integration with advancing corporations in immigration, common citizenship rights, common forging policy, and common security policy by a single currency. The organization received the Nobel prize for peace in 2012 for its efforts. EU used to have 28 members but the United Kingdom left the organization in 2020 after Brexit Referendum. In the decades following World War II, the main purpose of the EU was to put an end to the dangerous wars that destroyed economies. Also, it became clear that in the post-war world, a united Europe would have much greater economic and political power than each country. Background and History of the EU: 1 WWII- Destruction of Europe: WWII Germany destroyed the European economy causing the great depression after the war was over, they want to stop these wars, make peace, and boost their economies. It was seen that coal and steel were major power behind the strength of the country. Steal was important because it is needed in every industry without it no country could grow. The areas of coal mines were separated from Germany first so that he would become powerless. A proposal was given by the secretary of France called the Schema Declaration that an organization should be made for controlling coal and steel. It should control coal and steel from outside and this can’t be controlled inside any country. There was a total of six countries Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands that want to stop the war, and those were the first members. They made a coal and steel community for the coal and steel industry in Europe and it worked between 1950 to 1952 with six countries. It was considered the foundation of the European Union. 2 The treaty of the European coal and steel community: The treaty of the European coal and steel community was passed on 18 April 1951 was made and the coal and steel of six countries were controlled by this community. A common assembly was made under this community which we now called the parliament of the European Union. And it was named the European parliament in 1962. 3 Treaty of Rome: The Treaty of Rome was passed in 1957 and extensions were made in the corporate and economic sectors of those six countries. They also want to get more benefits from their community. There were two major treaties in it, EEC and EAEC. European Economic Community (EEC) was created to allow custom-free trade in these countries. European Atomic Energy Commission (EAEC) was made and its mission was to use atomic energy for peaceful purposes and keep check and balance on its use and research. 4 Merger Treaty / Brussels Treaty (1965): All the existing institutions like ECSC are modernized and improved, their functions are better handled under this treaty. The single European act was also passed under this treaty in 1986. 5 Maastricht Treaty (1992): This is the start of the fully functional and integrated EU that we see now. There were 12 members. Countries at that time. The economic and monetary unit is created. Euro is introduced as a single currency in those countries. Foreign policy and security policy are discussed in this treaty. Justice and home affairs were added and the power of parliament was increased in this treaty. These are all major things we see in a federal government. 6 Treaty of Amsterdam (1997): The strength of members was increased to 15. The work was made on justice, security, and employment. People can move freely in those countries. The laws of the EU were also improved under this treaty. 7 The Treaty of Nice (2001): The reforms of voting were done under this treaty. The Treaty of Nice sought to modernize the institutional framework of the European Union to meet the problems of the upcoming enlargement. 8 The treaty of Lisbon (2007): There was a total of 27 members that signed this treaty. Under this treaty, democracy was empowered, its efficiency would be improved, and can handle global challenges. The position of permanent president of the EU was created for making decisions. The foreign policy was reinforced and its external affairs were strengthened. Membership: The members of the EU are France, Germany, Italy, Belgium, Netherlands, England, Luxembourg, Spain, Portugal, Greece, Austria, Sweden, Finland, Ireland, Denmark, Poland, Hungary, Slovenia the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Cyprus, Malta, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Romania, Bulgaria, Croatia. The UK was a member of the EU since the beginning but got separated after the Brexit referendum. Responsibilities of EU: When in terms of political science and international relations, we talk about sovereignty. Many countries do not join the EU when it was created instead referendum was done in every country for becoming part of the EU. Many countries said our sovereignty would be compromised if we join the EU because everything would be controlled by the EU, that’s why many counties did not accept to become a member of the EU. But when they see the growing economy of other countries and the benefits they would get when they become members. EU is like the federal government in those countries. Its range of responsibilities is very wide. It has all responsibilities that a federal government has like political, economic, social, cultural, development, security, environmental, industries, citizenship, education, health, foreign, affairs, and scientific research. It has all the responsibilities that a country should have. EU institutions and Bodies: 1 European Council: EC was established in 1974 and it’s the oldest body of the EU. Its sets the goals and priorities of the EU. EC was given a wide role and power under the treaty of Maastricht in 1992. It has a president which is elected for 2 and a half years. All the heads of EU states take part in this council. Normally, its meeting is held 4 times a year. All heads of state and heads of all institutions are also its members. It is the most strongest decision-making body in the EU. Its goal includes giving political directions, and appointments, handling meetings, and working on proposals. 2 C...