EU and International Relations Exam Review

A series of vocabulary flashcards based on key concepts about the EU and international relations for exam preparation.

NATO membership reasons

Sweden joined NATO primarily due to the deteriorating security situation in Europe after Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

Article 5 of NATO

An attack on one member is considered an attack on all, emphasizing collective defense.

Three main purposes of the UN

Maintain international peace and security, develop friendly relations among nations, promote respect for human rights.

Functions of the UN

Prevent international conflicts, protect human dignity, provide humanitarian support, promote sustainable development.

Need for UN reform

Many believe the UN does not reflect modern geopolitical realities and is too slow to address crises.

Security Council structure

The structure is based on the world view of 1945, leading to challenges in addressing current issues.

General Assembly

The central body of the UN where each country has one vote to discuss resolutions.

Secretariat

Led by the Secretary-General, it is the closest body the UN has to a government.

Security Council composition

Composed of 15 members, including 5 permanent members with veto power.

Definition of a state

A defined geographical area with a governing body, population, and legal sovereignty.

Sovereignty principle

A sovereign state exercises political control over its territory and population without external interference.

Pros of NATO membership

Offers stronger military protection and discourages aggressions, especially from Russia.

Cons of NATO membership

May compromise Sweden's neutrality and increase defense spending.

Reasons for wars

Disputes over power/territory, competition for resources, and political differences.

Definition of international law

Regulations governing how countries interact, particularly in wartime.

Examples of international law violations

Attacks on civilians, genocide, use of WMDs, and torture of prisoners.

Means of enforcing international law

International courts, national courts, and ad hoc tribunals.

Purpose of EU formation

To create peace in Europe, promote economic cooperation, and establish a powerful global presence.

Timeline of EU creation

Founded from the Coal and Steel Community in 1950 to the EU establishment in 1993.

Countries outside the EU

Switzerland, UK, Serbia, which may have varied reasons for not joining.

EU accession requirements

Stability, functioning market economy, compliance with EU legislation.

EU as a supranational union

Member states follow majority decisions in trade and environmental matters.

EU as an intergovernmental organization

Member states retain sovereignty and can veto decisions, especially in foreign policy.

Challenges in GUSP

Decision-making can be slow due to the need for consensus among members.

Four freedoms of the EU

Freedom of movement for goods, services, people, and capital.

Nettopayer countries in EU

Countries like Germany and Sweden contribute more to the EU budget than they receive.

EU Commission's role

Proposes decisions based on EU's goals and ensures member compliance.

European Parliament's role

Votes on proposals and represents the citizens of member states.

Council of the EU responsibility

Secondary decision-making institution where ministers from member states vote.

EU Court's function

Settles disputes among member states and enforces compliance with EU law.

European Central Bank role

Manages the monetary policy of the Eurozone to ensure price stability.

Decision-making process in the EU

Proposals from the Commission go through Parliament and the Council for approval.

Public influence on EU decisions

Citizens can engage in advocacy, participate in elections, and communicate with representatives.

Sweden's currency policy

Sweden maintains its own currency and is not part of the Eurozone, giving it flexibility.

Benefits of not using the euro

Allows for independent monetary policy and protection from economic crises.

Drawbacks of not using the euro

Currency exchange difficulties may complicate trade with euro-using countries.