The European Union (regional grouping)

Regional Grouping

collection of states

What is the EU?

a political and economic union of 27 European states that cooperate on trade, security and policy. supranational organisation this means the EU’s member states have transferred some of their sovereignty to the EU in order to address issues such as trade, security and social policy.

Core aims of the EU

to ensure peace, stability, economic cooperation, democracy and human rights

What does the EU do?

• economic integration

  • eu single market - allows free movement of goods, services, capital, and people across member states

  • trade agreements

• common policies

  • agriculture

  • environment

  • energy

  • transport

• protects fundamental human rights

  • freedom of expression

  • privacy

  • non-discrimination

Political & Global Influence

• allows eu countries to collectively hold more influence on the global stage

• They account for 14% of the world's GDP

• Their GDP is $19.4 trillion USD

• Does not have a military force

• Has the largest trading bloc in the world

• Their laws and regulations impacts areas like climate policy, consumer rights, etc.

• Membership - countries can apply to join, but must meet strict democratic and economic criteria

• They promote climate action, human rights, and economic development worldwide

• Negatives --> it is argues that it limits national independence, create bureaucracy and lacks democratic accountability

how does the EU work?

• eu single market - allows free movement of goods, services, capital, and people across member states

• eurozone - 20 countries use the euro as their common currency, but some (e.g. Poland) retain their own

• schengen area - enables passport-free travel between most eu countries

• institutions - key bodies include:

  • European Commission (proposes laws)

  • European Parliament (elected by EU citizens, makes laws)

  • European Council (leaders of member states, sets priorities)

• supremessay of eu law

  • eu law overrides the laws of countries

• transfer aspects of their sovereignty upwards

  • collectively stronger

who controls the eu?

broken down into 7 institutions that share power

three main institutions are:

• european council

• european commission

• european parliament

eu’s overall climate change strategy and impact

The European Union (EU) has actively engaged in combating climate change, implementing comprehensive strategies that influence political, economic, and cultural landscapes

eu’s perspective and interests

• global leadership: the EU positions itself as a leader in international climate policy, aiming to set ambitious standards and encourage global action

  • the guardian: "EU reveals plans to hit climate goals by helping dirty industries clean up" (Published: 26 February 2025) This article discusses the EU's "clean industrial deal," focusing on aiding high-emission industries in transitioning to net-zero emissions. The plan includes boosting clean tech companies, reducing energy bills, and proposing a €100 billion industrial decarbonisation bank to support these changes.

• sustainable development: commitment to achieving climate neutrality by 2050, integrating environmental sustainability with economic growth. climate.ec.europa.eu

Responses

• european green deal (2019)

• european climate law (2021)

• fit for 55 package

eu green deal

A comprehensive plan to transform the EU into a climate-neutral economy by 2050, encompassing policies on energy, industry, and biodiversity.

green deal - core framework

• €1 trillion mobilisation plan to finance environmental transition

• Carbon neutrality goal by 2050 with emissions reduction of 55% by 2030

• Twin transitions: decarbonising and digitising Europe's economy

green deal - key components

• Biodiversity strategy and environmental protection

• Farm to Fork initiative for sustainable agriculture

• Just Transition Mechanism for affected regions and workers

european climate law (2021)

Legally enshrines the 2050 climate-neutrality goal and sets an interim target of a 55% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 compared to 1990 levels. climate.ec.europa.eu

fit for 55 package (2021)

A set of proposals to revise and update EU legislation to ensure policies align with the 2030 climate targets, including measures like the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism. en.wikipedia.org

effectiveness of responses

• emission reductions: by 2022, the EU achieved a reduction of over 30% in total greenhouse gas emissions compared to 1990 levels, indicating progress towards its climate goals.

• policy implementation: The EU's structured approach, including binding targets and legislative frameworks, has facilitated coordinated climate action across member states.

challenges to responding effectively

• Economic Disparities: Variations in economic structures among member states lead to differing capacities to implement climate policies, with some economies heavily reliant on high-emission industries.

• Political Opposition: Rising anti-green sentiments have fueled political resistance, particularly from conservative and far-right parties, challenging the implementation of climate initiatives.

• Regulatory Rollbacks: Recent relaxations in sustainability reporting rules may hinder transparency and the effectiveness of climate investments.

ability to respond

• Policy Framework: The EU's comprehensive legislative measures, such as the European Climate Law and the Fit for 55 package, provide a robust framework for climate action.

• Financial Mechanisms: Initiatives like the proposed industrial decarbonization bank aim to mobilize public and private investments towards green technologies.

impact on stability and change

• Political: Climate policies have become central to political discourse, influencing election outcomes and party dynamics within member states.

• Economic: The transition to a green economy has led to both opportunities in emerging industries and challenges for traditional sectors, affecting employment and economic stability.

• Cultural: Increased public awareness and engagement in climate action have fostered a cultural shift towards sustainability, though resistance persists in certain demographics.