EU law, languages and institutions part 1

Deepening

More and stronger commitments of the member states

Police cooperation

Police from one country can cross the borders to intercept criminals in another country

Widening

More areas covered by the EU

Enlargement

More member states

Treaties

Agreements establishing the framework and rules of the EC/EU

Constitution

Establishes fundamental law of state + establishes state

Lisbon Treaty

Treaty that gave EU citizens power to interfere when something goes wrong

Geopolitical results

Consequences of World War II on European countries

Soviet Union

Economic superpower that caused concerns in Europe

Council of Europe

Organization for protection of democracy, rule of law, and human rights

Germany and France

Historical tensions and negotiations between the two countries

Schuman Declaration

Proposal to put the heavy industries of Germany and France under a central international authority

European Coal and Steel Community

Supranational organization for common market of coal and steel

European Defence Community

Failed attempt to establish a European defense community

European Political Community

A political unity designed to democratically control the European Defense Community (EDC), drafted by the Common Assembly of the ECSC but abandoned after the EDC failed to get ratified.

European Economic Community

Established in 1958, it aimed to create a common market for goods, services, and workers among the six founding countries of the ECSC. It eliminated duties and quantitative restrictions on trade between member states and established a unified trade policy with non-member states.

Common Agricultural Policy (CAP)

A policy within the EEC that aimed to ensure fair prices for farmers, sufficient food production for EU citizens, and affordable prices for consumers. It involved setting fixed prices for agricultural products and providing subsidies to farmers.

Common Commercial Policy

A policy within the EEC that regulated trade with non-member states, including decisions on import taxes on foreign products.

Common Transports Policy

A policy within the EEC that aimed to facilitate the transportation of goods between member states by removing restrictions on truck drivers and allowing them to pick up new goods in other member states.

European Atomic Energy Community

Established in 1958, it focused on the civil use of atomic energy among the six founding countries of the ECSC. It aimed to ensure cooperation in the production and resource sharing of uranium and other nuclear materials.

De Gaulle Interlude

Refers to the period from 1958 to 1969 when Charles de Gaulle, the former general and president of France, held significant influence over European integration. He advocated for a more sovereign and consensus-based approach to cooperation, leading to the empty chair policy and the setup of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA).

European Free Trade Association (EFTA)

A rival organization established in 1960 by countries that were not allowed to join the European Institutions under De Gaulle's leadership. It aimed to promote free trade among its member states while maintaining their own trade policies with non-member states.

Empty Chair Policy

A policy implemented by De Gaulle in 1965-1966, where France refused to send ministers to the European Parliament, effectively blocking the decision-making process. It led to the Luxembourg Compromise and the Merger Treaty in 1965.

European Council

Formally established in the 1970s, it replaced the informal summits of heads of state or government. It became an important decision-making body within the European Union.

Energy Crisis

Refers to the oil crisis in the 1970s, caused by conflicts in the Middle East and resulting in a significant increase in oil prices. It had a profound impact on the European economy, leading to inflation and distortions in the market.

Summits

Informal gatherings of heads of state or government that were later formalized into the European Council. They played a significant role in influencing the decision-making process within the European Union.

Devaluation

When a country reduces the value of its currency relative to other currencies, making its products cheaper for foreigners.

European Monetary System (EMS)

A system established in 1979 to regulate the exchange rates between European currencies and prevent excessive fluctuations.

Cassis de Dijon ruling

A ruling by the Court of Justice that established the principle of mutual recognition, stating that member states cannot issue norms that make it more difficult for other member states to sell their products in their countries.

European Political Cooperation (EPC)

Established in 1974, it aimed to promote consultation and coordination among member states in matters of foreign policy.

European Parliamentary Assembly (EPA)

The predecessor of the European Parliament, it gained decision power over part of the EEC budget and increased its legislative role.

European Court of Auditors

An agency responsible for checking the appropriate use of EU funds and ensuring financial accountability.

Single European Act

A treaty signed in 1986 that facilitated the realization of the internal market, extended the EEC's competence to social, environmental, regional, and research issues, and granted the European Parliament more legislative powers.

Schengen Agreement

An intergovernmental initiative aimed at removing border control for people between contracting parties and reinforcing external frontiers and cooperation between police forces.

Collapse of communist regimes in Eastern Europe

The fall of communist governments in Eastern European countries, leading to significant political and social changes in the region.

Reunification of Germany

The process of merging East Germany and West Germany into a single country, which took place on October 3, 1990.

Reunification

The process of bringing together East and West Germany after the fall of the Berlin Wall.

Currency Rate

The exchange rate between the East German Deutschmark and the West German Deutschmark.

Treuhand

The organization responsible for selling and restructuring the old East German factories.

Maastricht Treaty

The treaty that established the European Union and introduced the three pillars of the EU.

Supranational

Referring to the first pillar of the EU, where the EU has power independent of member states.

Intergovernmental

Referring to the second and third pillars of the EU, where decisions are made by consensus among member states.

Subsidiarity

The principle that decisions should be made at the lowest level possible, closer to the citizens.

European Monetary Union

The process of creating a single currency and monetary policy for the EU.

Opt-out

The decision of a member state to not participate in a specific EU policy or agreement.

Single Market

The free movement of goods, services, capital, and people within the EU.

Citizenship

The rights and privileges granted to EU citizens, including the right to vote and be protected by EU embassies.

Second Pillar

The pillar of the EU focused on foreign and security policy.

Sanctions

Measures imposed on a country to change its behavior, often used as a foreign policy tool.

Third Pillar

The pillar of the EU focused on police, judicial, and customs operations.

Europol

The European law enforcement agency responsible for coordinating efforts against international crime.

Co-decision

The legislative procedure that gives the European Parliament the power to amend and approve legislation.

Institutional Changes

The changes made to the institutional framework of the EU, including increased power for the European Parliament.

Committee of the Regions

An institution created in the European Union that represents regional and local authorities.

Court of Auditors

An institution in the European Union responsible for auditing the EU's finances and ensuring accountability.

Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP)

The EU's policy on foreign affairs and security.

European Economic Area (EEA)

A trade agreement between EU members and non-EU members of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) that extends the EU's internal market rules to these states.

Enhanced cooperation

A mechanism that allows a minimum of 9 member states to move forward with integration in certain policy areas while others can choose to "lag behind."

Treaty of Amsterdam

A treaty signed in 1999 that reshuffled the pillars of the EU and introduced changes in areas such as visa policy, police cooperation, and the inclusion of the Schengen Agreement.

Treaty of Nice

A treaty signed in 2003 that extended enhanced cooperation to the Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP) and made modifications to qualified majority voting in the Council of the EU.

Laeken Declaration

A declaration issued in 2001 that called for the simplification of EU treaties, clearer division of powers, and institutional reform to bring Europe closer to its citizens.

Treaty establishing a Constitution for Europe (TCE)

A treaty proposed in 2004 that aimed to establish a constitution for the EU but failed to be ratified.

Lisbon Treaty

A treaty signed in 2007 that amended the Treaty establishing a Constitution for Europe (TCE) and introduced substantial reforms, such as the creation of the President of the European Council and the High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy.

Sovereign debt crisis

A financial crisis that occurred in 2009, primarily caused by Greece's unsustainable financial situation.

Eurozone

The group of European Union member states that have adopted the euro as their official currency.

Public debt

The amount of money owed by a government to its creditors, including both domestic and foreign debt.

Public deficit

The amount by which a government's spending exceeds its revenue in a given period.

Devalue currency

The deliberate reduction in the value of a country's currency relative to other currencies, usually done to boost exports and stimulate economic growth.

European Semester

A framework for coordinating economic and budgetary policies among EU member states, aimed at promoting economic stability and growth.

Six pack

A set of six legislative measures implemented by all EU member states to strengthen economic governance and fiscal discipline.

Two pack

Two legislative measures implemented by members of the Eurozone to enhance economic coordination and surveillance.

European Fiscal Compact

An intergovernmental treaty between 25 EU member states that aims to strengthen fiscal discipline and coordination.

Banking Union

A system of rules and institutions aimed at ensuring the stability and resilience of the European banking sector.

Migration crisis

The influx of a large number of migrants and refugees into the EU, particularly in 2015, resulting in significant challenges for member states.

Dublin Regulation

A set of rules that determine which EU member state is responsible for processing asylum applications.

European Border and Coast Guard Agency (FRONTEX)

An EU agency responsible for coordinating border control and surveillance activities.

PESCO

Permanent Structured Cooperation, a framework for enhanced military cooperation among EU member states.

European Peace Facility

An off-budget fund used to finance military operations and assistance, including the purchase of lethal weapons.

Covid pandemic

The global health crisis caused by the outbreak of the novel coronavirus in 2020.

NextGenerationEU

A recovery plan launched by the EU to support member states in overcoming the economic impact of the Covid pandemic, through loans and grants.

European Union Recovery Instrument

A fund established to support the recovery of EU member states in the aftermath of the Covid crisis.

Enlargements

The process of admitting new member states into the European Union.

Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP)

The EU's framework for coordinating foreign policy and security matters among member states.

Common Foreign and Defence Policy (CSDP)

The EU's framework for coordinating defense and military matters among member states.

Area of Freedom, Security and Justice (AFSJ)

An EU policy area that encompasses issues related to migration, asylum, border control, and law enforcement cooperation.

Economic and Monetary Union (EMU)

The integration of economic and monetary policies among EU member states, including the adoption of the euro as a common currency.

Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union

A legally binding document that sets out the fundamental rights and freedoms of individuals in the EU.

Single market

A system in which goods, services, capital, and people can move freely within the EU without barriers or restrictions.

European Economic Area (EEA)

An agreement that extends the EU's single market to include Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein.

Common Justice and Home Affairs (CJHA)

Cooperation among EU member states in the fields of justice and home affairs, including law enforcement and judicial cooperation.

Police and Judicial Cooperation in Criminal Matters (PJCC)

Cooperation among EU member states in combating cross-border crime and ensuring effective law enforcement.